How Jon Rahm’s Journey Began: From Raw Talent at 13 to a World No.1 Mindset in Golf

Key Points

• Early Beginnings:
  Eduardo Celles began working with Jon Rahm at age 13 after Rahm approached him for lessons. Though Rahm had another coach initially, Eduardo helped refine his raw talent.

• First Impressions:
  Rahm had a powerful but uncoordinated swing. Eduardo introduced short game assessments, swing shortening, and grip adjustments to build consistency and control.

• Competitiveness & Memory:
  Jon’s defining traits were extreme competitiveness and an exceptional memory. He could recall course layouts and shot requirements in detail—even from tournaments before he was born.

• Training Path:
  Rahm trained at Blume (Spain’s high-performance center), then developed further at Arizona State. Adapting to U.S. competition was initially tough, but it shaped his rise to the PGA Tour.

• Mental Drive & Role Models:
  At 14, Jon confidently declared his goal to be world No. 1. His passion was fueled by idolizing Seve Ballesteros and watching old Ryder Cups.

• Talent = Aptitude + Attitude:
  Eduardo emphasizes that raw ability (aptitude) must be matched by work ethic and mindset (attitude). Rahm had both—and that’s what made the difference.

• Eduardo’s Coaching Philosophy:
  Help players become self-sufficient, adapt training to the individual, and use competitiveness as a tool for growth. Talent alone isn’t enough—it must be developed through disciplined routines.