ASU’s Jon Rahm awarded spot in PGA event

Sun Devil men’s golfer Jon Rahm just finished a dazzling senior season, but the world No. 1 amateur isn’t finished just yet.

Two weeks ago, Rahm was award his second consecutive Ben Hogan Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate golfer each year. Last week, he was named this year’s winner of the Nicklaus Award – also for the nation’s top college golfer.

On Saturday, Rahm beat the Nicklaus Award winners from other collegiate divisions and leagues (Rahm was representing NCAA Division I) to earn the right to play in the PGA’s 2016 Barbasol Championship.

Nicklaus Award winner @littleJRmaza wins Barbasol Shootout, gets @BarbasolPGATOUR exemption: https://t.co/BhHArlUTaJ pic.twitter.com/B6UlgLdLZW

— Golfweek (@golfweek) June 5, 2016

The Barbasol Championship will mark Rahm’s fifth career PGA appearance. He’s played twice in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, once in the Waste Management Phoenix Open and once in the Travelers Championship.

In four career PGA events, he’s finished in the top ten twice.

The Spaniard’s success at a young age is reminiscent of that of current world professional No. 2 Jordan Spieth, an eight-time PGA Tour winner and two-time majors victor. Spieth once spent five weeks as world number one amateur.

Rahm has been the world’s best amateur for a total of 57 weeks.

ASU graduate and PGA Tour pro Phil Mickelson holds the school record for most collegiate tournament wins with 16. Rahm finished his collegiate career with 11, doing so under the coaching of Phil’s brother, Tim.

Now, fresh off a decorated college career (to say the least), Rahm can prepare for his second PGA event of the season.

The Barbasol Championship will be held at in Opelika, Alabama from July 14-17.

Congratulations @littleJRmaza on earning exemption into the field. We look forward to welcoming you to RTJ at Grand National July 11-17.

— BarbasolChampionship (@BarbasolPGATOUR) June 5, 2016

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