The Open 2024: Jon Rahm focused on extending Spanish sporting winning streak

Rahm played all 18 holes at Royal Troon with Hatton on Monday and said he “got more congratulations for something that I didn’t do than I ever have in my life” from Scottish fans lining the fairways.

“I got to enjoy Troon in the easiest weather you’re ever going to see in Scotland,” he added.

“I was only meant to play nine holes, but I looked at Tyrrell, and I said, it’s sunny, there’s no wind, it’s perfect temperature. Let’s just enjoy the walk.

“How often do you get to come to a major and just truly enjoy the beautiful golf course, kind of put on a little bit of a show for the few fans that are out there, take care of the kids.

“It was a very enjoyable second nine in which I know we’re never going to play the golf course like that ever again.”

He said his tactics this week would be similar to any other Open Championship.

“It’s like any other links,” he said. “Keep it on the fairway, avoid bunkers. That’s going to put you in a position where you can maybe attack some pins and make some birdies.

“Everything depends on the weather. If the wind comes like it can come, especially out here, it’s almost a bit of a survival.”

Last year’s Masters winner had two other top-10 finishes in the majors last year, but has struggled since moving to LIV.

He was joint 45th at Augusta, and then missed the cut at the US PGA Championship before pulling out of last month’s US Open with an infected toe.

“This year the first half hasn’t been my best. I’m getting much closer to what it might have been early last year,” he added.