Jon Rahm defends Desert Classic title with World No.1 Justin Rose on the course

Defending Career Builder Challenge Champion Jon Rahm is looking to become the first repeat champion in La Quinta since Johnny Miller in 1976.

“You know there’s a lot of college memories here. We came and played the Norman course a couple of times as a college event and then one year we played in the Nicklaus course so I had been in the driving range as a college player,” said Rahm. “So to come back as a pro it was definitely a good feeling. I always play good in Palm Springs, it’s really similar golf to what I do in Phoenix, it’s a home field advantage to it. Then with a sponsor like Bighorn and being able to stay at Bighorn, its a very enjoyable experience for me.”

This year’s event is off to a soggy start as clouds and rain have caught every competitor’s attention.

“it’s definitely a week i look forward to every year,” said Rahm. “The golf course is usually, the two years I’ve played it, in perfect shape. The greens are some of the best we’ve played in all year. So, it’s just so much fun to play. Besides the last few days the weather is usually good as well.”

Jon Rahm will have to beat World No.1 Ranked golfer Justin Rose to complete the back-to-back. Rose recently returned from holiday in his native London and says the weather doesn’t bother him.

“I’ve always enjoyed this tournament,” said Rose. “I’ve always enjoyed the Palm Springs area, and the style of golf that it gives you, but La Quinta I think is one of the great golf courses. It’s one of the courses that you’d love to be a member of, you can play in two and a half hour and the tee boxes are right off of each green, its a great place to be.”

Rahm needed a four hole playoff to win the tournament last year and knows he will have some good competition if he struggles.

“Justin rose is arguably one of the best ball strikers in the world, if not the best,” said Rahm. “Again, physically he’s in great shape. Hopefully you know, I can be playing golf and feeling as good as they do in my 40’s.”

Rose hasn’t played in the desert since 2010 before either PGA West courses were part of competition. Rose also begins his 2019 campaign with two big changes, his gear and a short term caddy.

“I’ve made some good decisions and some good changes,” said Rose. “I feel confident about things but yeah you never quite know until the score card is in your hand.”