The mental battle was tougher than any tee shot: Jon Rahm revealed after his emotional triumph at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship how the turmoil surrounding the collapse of LIV Golf and the worry about his daughter's birth tore him apart internally. A victory that is far more than just a trophy – it is the emotional comeback of a golfer who has reclaimed his mental strength.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard secured the victory at Yas Links with a final 67, finishing at an impressive 23-under par, two strokes ahead of Tyrrell Hatton and four ahead of Rory McIlroy. A stellar round under immense pressure, showcasing Rahm's capabilities when his mind is clear again. His first DP World Tour title in four years and his first non-LIV win since the 2023 Masters – a clear statement at the start of the DP World Tour Playoff Series.
The Lion's Comeback
Rahm's mental rollercoaster had a deep reason: his wife Kelley was expecting their fourth child, daughter Begoña, during his seven-week break. The fear of missing this special moment had already worn him down at the BMW PGA Championship. He admitted that his concentration on the green suffered, and the uncertainty of recent months had pushed him mentally to his limits. He found his return after this valuable family time to be "quite special".
A New Chapter
The triumph in Abu Dhabi 2026 marks a true reset for Rahm. After joining LIV Golf in 2023, the DP World Tour is expected to become his full home again following the reported end of the LIV series. This victory, against top Ryder Cup colleagues like Hatton and McIlroy, is a clear signal for his future and shows that Jon Rahm is back incredibly strong – not just on the scoreboard, but mentally too. He himself found it difficult to process the result directly, which underscores the emotional depth of his journey.
