Jon Rahm PGA Championship 2025 – A Lesson in Resilience

Jon Rahm came agonisingly close to writing his name on another Major title during the final round of the PGA Championship 2025, delivering a performance filled with flair, grit, and raw emotion. The Spanish golfer, already a national icon and a global presence, reminded fans of his trademark combination of power, precision, and character under pressure.

For much of the final day, Rahm was firmly in contention, rising up the leaderboard with an effortless confidence that’s come to define his career. While he ultimately fell short of clinching the title, the way he carried himself, on and off the course, was a masterclass in sportsmanship and mental resilience.

Jon Rahm came agonisingly close to writing his name on another Major title during the final round of the PGA Championship 2025, delivering a performance filled with flair, grit, and raw emotion. Though a handful of late errors cost him a chance at victory, the Spanish superstar reminded golf fans why he remains one of the most compelling figures in the sport.

“It’s been a long time since I had this much fun on a golf course,” Rahm admitted. “I played really well from 8 to 15… shame about those mistakes at the end.”

Inspired Play Through the Middle Stretch

Rahm’s final round at Valhalla was a rollercoaster. From holes 8 through 15, he was in vintage form, aggressive when needed, clinical with his irons, and clearly enjoying the moment. For much of Sunday, he was right in the hunt, navigating the tension of a packed leaderboard with clarity.

Though he narrowly missed birdie chances on holes 14 and 15, moments he later acknowledged as turning points, he stayed composed. “I knew I was tied. Even if you don’t check the leaderboard, the crowd tells you. I heard a roar on 10 while I was on 12 and I just knew, that was a birdie from Scottie [Scheffler].”

Pressure, Perspective, and the Pursuit of Majors

Rahm was candid about the nerves and technical challenges of the closing holes. “Anyone who says they didn’t feel nerves is lying,” he said. “It’s part of what we do. But it was also technical, small details I’m working on. They weren’t bad swings, just slightly off.”

Despite finishing just outside the winner’s circle, Rahm walked away with a broader sense of perspective. “It hurts, this was the closest I’ve come to winning a Major without pulling it off. But I’ll get over it. I’ve got a wonderful family who give me perspective. My kids don’t know if I won or lost, and that helps.”

Eyes Now on the US Open

Now, with confidence intact and his game in good shape, Rahm shifts his focus to the US Open, where he hopes to build on this momentum. “I’m happy I put myself in the mix. Hopefully I’ll learn from this and have another chance soon.”

In the high-stakes world of Major championship golf, it’s rare to hear such unfiltered honesty from a top-tier player, and even rarer to see such resilience in the face of near-miss heartbreak.

For Spanish golf, Rahm remains a flagbearer not just for excellence, but for emotional intelligence, sportsmanship, and the long game of personal growth.

Bernardo Pinheiro German U18 Amateur Championship 2025

Portuguese junior golfer Bernardo Pinheiro, representing Oporto Golf Club, delivered Portugal’s best performance at the German International Amateur Championship U18, finishing tied for 26th place. The event, hosted at GC Bad Saarow near Berlin, brought together top youth talent from across Europe, highlighting the growing depth of Portugal’s emerging golf generation.

The tournament ran over three rounds and concluded on May 17, 2025. Bernardo finished with an aggregate score of 226 (+10) after carding a final round of 77, sharing the 26th spot with three other players. This consistent showing follows on the heels of his solid T22 finish at the Italian International Championship just three weeks prior at Royal Park I Roveri in Turin, once again making him the top Portuguese performer.

Portuguese Girls Also Hold Their Own in Berlin

On the women’s side, Amélia Gabin (Quinta do Lago) and Inês Belchior (Comporta) also showed competitive spirit in the international field. Amélia posted a final round of 78 for a total of 230 (+11), finishing T28, while Inês recorded a 79 to close at 232 (+13) in a T35 finish.

Though outside the top tier, these finishes reflect the increasing consistency and international presence of Portugal’s young golfers in top amateur events.

Champions and Course Highlights

The tournament was dominated by Filip Grave of Sweden and Charlotte Naughton of England, both of whom maintained their leads from the final round to secure championship victories. Naughton, in particular, controlled the women’s division from start to finish.

The challenging setup at GC Bad Saarow tested players with its fast greens, tight approaches, and strategic hazards, offering valuable experience for rising talents competing on the international stage.

Looking Ahead for Portugal’s Youth Golfers

Bernardo Pinheiro’s back-to-back top finishes in Italy and Germany reinforce his growing reputation as one of Portugal’s most promising young golfers. As Portugal continues to invest in junior development and international exposure, results like these are stepping stones to future success at elite amateur and professional levels.

Spain’s Tourism Surge in Q1 2025

Spain’s tourism industry has kicked off 2025 with a record-setting first quarter, and Golf holidays in the Costa del Sol are poised to reap the rewards. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), over 17.1 million international tourists visited Spain between January and March 2025, a 5.7% year-on-year increase. Total tourism spend for Q1 soared to €23.5 billion, with March alone contributing over €9.1 billion.

Crucially for the golf travel market, average spending per visitor hit €1,382, while daily expenditure climbed to €188, signalling the rise of a more affluent, experience-driven tourist base. The UK remains Spain’s top source market, with over 3.1 million visitors, followed by France, Germany, and a notable 11% increase from the United States.

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Costa del Sol: Luxury, Leisure, and Golf Combine

Already famed for its 70+ golf courses, sunny climate, and coastal glamour, the Costa del Sol has emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of Spain’s Q1 tourism boom. Regions like Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís are welcoming waves of high-spending visitors, many combining rounds of golf with luxury stays, fine dining, and beachfront leisure.

Golf resorts such as Los Flamingos, La Quinta, and Finca Cortesin are seeing increased interest, not just from players, but also from international travellers exploring golf-and-stay experiences and second-home opportunities. The sharp rise in short-term rentals, especially near golf courses, further reflects the segment’s growing appeal.

From Tee Time to Property Investment

Spain’s shift toward year-round quality tourism is creating a unique window for both holidaymakers and real estate investors. Many golf resorts now cater to dual-purpose travellers, those who arrive for sport and leave considering a long-term foothold.

Luxury communities such as Cabo Bermejo, Torre Bermeja, and areas along the New Golden Mile are seeing upticks in rental demand and property viewings, thanks to the region’s reputation for wellness, security, and recreational lifestyle.

Golf Holidays and Off-Season Travel

Spain’s government continues to promote seasonal diversification and regional tourism, which bodes well for golf-centric destinations. Unlike sun-and-beach travel, golf tourism thrives outside the peak summer months, offering visitors mild temperatures, quieter greens, and lower rates during spring and autumn.

This aligns perfectly with the preferences of UK-based golf travellers, many of whom seek flexible tee time bookings, scenic coastal courses, and an escape from northern Europe’s colder months.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

With Spain maintaining strong momentum in infrastructure, visa policy, and destination marketing, the Costa del Sol golf holiday sector is set for further growth. As premium beachfront and golf-side inventory tightens, those booking early, or investing now, are well positioned to capitalise on rising demand.

For golfers seeking a mix of lifestyle, sport, and sun-drenched scenery, Spain’s 2025 tourism boom isn’t just a headline, it’s a golden opportunity.