Jon Rahm had already seen success at Torrey Pines during his young career. One week there in June, however, would launch him to the top of the golf world. Watch how Rahm shines at Torrey Pines in the US Open 2021
The 2021 United States Open Championship: A Historic Triumph on the Greens of Torrey Pines
Golf fans were in for a treat from June 17th to 20th, 2021, as the 121st edition of the U.S. Open unfolded on the sprawling fairways of the South Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, San Diego, California.
This prestigious event, the national open golf championship of the United States, delivered four days of exhilarating golf action that will be etched in history.
The Venue: Torrey Pines Golf Course
The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, located in the picturesque seaside town of La Jolla, played host to this year’s U.S. Open. This renowned golfing destination boasts two 18-hole golf courses, the North Course and the South Course.
The 2021 U.S. Open took place on the South Course, which had previously hosted this championship in 2008, where golf legend Tiger Woods emerged victorious in a thrilling playoff against Rocco Mediate.
Additionally, the Farmers Insurance Open, a PGA Tour event, is held annually on both courses, adding to the prestige of Torrey Pines.
The Field and the Defending Champion
A total of 156 talented players from around the world teed off at Torrey Pines for the 2021 U.S. Open. Of these, 88 secured their spots through automatic exemption criteria, while the remaining 68 earned their places through rigorous qualifying rounds, including two alternates.
The defending champion was Bryson DeChambeau, who had clinched the 120th U.S. Open title at Winged Foot in September 2020.
DeChambeau’s win was particularly notable as it came after the tournament had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Journey to Victory
The 2021 U.S. Open saw a dramatic showdown on the greens as players battled fiercely for the coveted title.
In the end, it was Jon Rahm, hailing from Spain, who etched his name in the annals of golf history.
Rahm’s stellar performance included clutch birdies on the final two holes, securing him his first major championship and making him the first U.S. Open champion from Spain.
Rahm’s triumphant journey wasn’t without its challenges. South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen, who had shared the lead going into the final round, finished just one shot behind Rahm.
American Harris English clinched the third spot, trailing by two strokes.
As for Bryson DeChambeau, he briefly held the lead during the final round but faltered with two bogeys, a double-bogey, and a quadruple-bogey on the back-nine, ultimately finishing outside the top twenty.
Throughout the tournament, Richard Bland, an Englishman, made headlines by becoming the oldest player to share the 36-hole lead in a U.S. Open, although he ultimately finished tied for 50th place.
Round Summaries
First Round
The tournament got off to an intriguing start, with fog delaying play for 90 minutes. Russell Henley and Louis Oosthuizen emerged as early leaders, both at 4-under-par, with plenty of golf left to play.
Second Round
Russell Henley held the outright lead at six-under after the second round, but it was Richard Bland who stole the spotlight by becoming the oldest player to share the 36-hole lead in U.S. Open history. Notably, Matthew Wolff, the runner-up in 2020, stayed in contention with a bogey-free round.
Third Round
A thrilling third round saw Louis Oosthuizen, Russell Henley, and Mackenzie Hughes share the 54-hole lead at five-under. Hughes, a Canadian, made history by becoming the first Canadian to hold the lead after the third round at the U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy had a strong showing, finishing at three-under.
Final Round
The final round was a nail-biter, with Jon Rahm making history by birdying both the 17th and 18th holes.
Louis Oosthuizen, the leader heading into the final stretch, faced heartbreak as he bogeyed crucial holes, ultimately finishing as the runner-up.
Bryson DeChambeau and others faced challenges, leading to a crowded leaderboard.
In the end, Jon Rahm’s remarkable birdies on the final two holes sealed his victory and etched his name in U.S. Open history books.
