Golf US Open 2021 – Jon Rahm Finished One Shot Ahead of Louis Oosthuizen

Jon Rahm claimed his first major title by overtaking Louis Oosthuizen down the stretch at golf us open 2021. The Spaniard finished one shot ahead of the South African in a thriller that will go down as one of the wildest in U.S. Open history.

It looked as if the 2021 Open was set to become one of the most dramatic in recent memory as at least nine players were within two shots of the lead on Sunday. However, as the final round wore on it became clear that only those who could cope with firm greens and treacherous pin placements were likely to be successful.

The drama began early at the par-3 11th hole when an errant tee shot from Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes found its way off a cart path and into a tree—and stayed there. The unlucky break was a cruel end to a final round that included three bogeys and no birdies.

But it wasn’t just the big names who failed to thrive in a crucible of Open pressure. Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau both bogeyed the final hole to fall out of contention and it was soon apparent that the winner would be either Rahm or Oosthuizen.

Both were in a share of the lead but Rahm managed to put a foot in the door with birdies at holes 12 and 14 and Oosthuizen was not able to respond. The latter had a chance to force a playoff but his long birdie putt on the last green had the right line but not enough power and lipped out for par.

Rahm shook his head and sounded like he had a lot of regrets after the tournament but the fact is that this was a very special moment in his career and he has to be pleased with his performance. He is also a great role model for his young son and it was an excellent way to cap off his first major championship.

The tournament now moves to Oakmont, which is joining Pinehurst as anchor sites in the regular rotation of the USGA. It will also host the 2024 and 2029 Opens and is expected to serve as the site of the 2025 championship.

It will be fascinating to see how the course plays in 2025. The switch to poa annua grass should provide a much better surface than the fescue that was used at Chambers Bay in 2015. Whether or not Oakmont can live up to the expectations of its predecessors remains to be seen.