Can Rahm and Hovland provide European golf boost?

Seamus Rotherick
By Seamus Rotherick February 7, 2022 12:50

The reputation of European golf took a battering in the Ryder Cup as Europe suffered a humiliating 19-9 defeat at the hands of the United States. Padraig Harrington and his team were hardly competitive over the three days of the tournament, losing all but one session to hand the Ryder Cup back to the Americans with a whimper. The Irishman placed faith in a lot of the old guard that had brought Europe success over the years, but Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, and Lee Westwood failed to rise to the occasion.

Up-and-comers Matthew Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland struggled against the ferocity of the US onslaught and the atmosphere created by the home crowd at Whistling Straits. Rory McIlroy vowed an improvement in two years in Italy when the tournament returns to European shores, but the damage to the reputation of the game in Europe may take time to repair.

European golfers have not accomplished as much as their counterparts in the United States in the majors as of late. Out of the last 23 majors, only five have been won by European players, notably Jon Rahm, who was the only European to emerge with credit from the Ryder Cup, winning the US Open in 2021. Rahm is the leading contender in The Masters betting odds at 8/1 to win the Green Jacket for the first time.

The world number one was operating at the peak of his powers to win the US Open and finished in the top 10 of all four majors last season. He definitely has the capabilities to win the tournament for the first time and has a strong record at Augusta, finishing in the top 10 in his last four appearances.

Rahm is on an upward trajectory and is certainly on the path to becoming one of the modern-day greats of the game. At the age of 27, he has ample room for growth and it is extremely encouraging that he is still refining areas of his game as the world number one.

Jon Rahm. Image from Rolex

Hovland will be hot on the heels of Rahm as the next great European player. He has not been deterred by his performance at the Ryder Cup where he claimed only one point from a possible five. The Norwegian has excelled on both the PGA and European Tours, securing a brilliant victory in the Dubai Desert Classic after beating out Richard Bland in a playoff.

Hovland was also on point to win the World Wide Technology Championship for a second time and the Hero World Challenge. He could be ready to take the next step on his journey to the top, beginning at The Masters. In his first appearance at Augusta as a professional Hovland finished just outside the top 20. The 24-year-old has the ability to build on his performance and make a charge for the Green Jacket if he can maintain the standard of his current form.

European golf needs a boost after a disastrous end to 2021, and between Rahm and Hovland there is hope for the future, especially if it sees a run to the Green Jacket for a European player.

 

Seamus Rotherick
By Seamus Rotherick February 7, 2022 12:50
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