Spain’s John Rahm made tension-packed long birdie putts on the last two holes on Sunday to triumph in the 121st US Open and got his first major title by defeating South African Louis Oosthuizen by one stroke. He curled in a spectacular birdie putt just inside 25 feet at the par-four 17th hole then made his fourth birdie of the week at the par-five 18th, blasting out of a bunker and rolling in an 18-footer to seize the lead.
John said, “I have a hard time explaining what just happened because I can’t even believe I made the last two putts.” Rahm could only watch the 2010 British Open championship Oosthuizen play the last four holes, after the fist-pumping putts to reach the clubhouse. Oosthuizen said, “I played good. Just fell a little short again, John played a great round of golf. The errant tee shot on 17 just cost me. I fought well to stay in it and just fell short again.”
The four-time major winner, Rory McIlroy said of Rahm’s victory, “He was a major champion in waiting. It was just a matter of time. To shoot 67 out there was a good round.” John Rahm said on his victory, “I’m a big believer in karma and after what happened a couple of weeks ago, I stayed positive knowing good things were coming. I got a breakthrough win here, my parents were able to come, I recovered from COVID protocol early — I just felt like the stars were aligning and I knew my best golf was to come.”
