Rahm prepares his assault on number 1 with the inspiration of Michael Phelps

The next Sunday Jon Rahm it could be the new number one in golf, more than thirty years after Severiano Ballesteros will occupy the scepter of world golf, to date the only Spanish who has achieved it. The Spanish dispute from today the Waste Management Phoenix Opentournament PGA Tour that he would have to win if he wants to be number one, while 13,000 kilometers from the TPC Scottsdalethe American Brooks Koepka only contribute to the leadership of the Spanish being out of the top-4 in the European Circuit tournament that takes place in parallel in Saudi Arabia.

In the hours before the start of the tournament, Rahm sought inspiration with a very special playmate, the 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps. The best Olympic athlete in history resides as does Rahm in Scottsdale and both are members of the same golf club. The two athletes shared nine holes during the day of proam where the 23 times gold medal was impressed with the power of the Spanish: “It is amazing to see him play. He has a ton of power and has put fantastically today“said Phelps, in statements to the PGA TOUR.

“He is a candidate for number one. There are many talented players and it just depends on who wants to get there, “the Olympic star added. Playing with Phelps certainly inspired Rahm in the face of his debut in the next few Tokyo Olympics. “I don't think there's anything better than competing as an athlete and winning a gold medal. There aren't many things you can think of that create a better feeling than being an Olympic medalist.”

Jon Rahm comes from finishing second in the Farmers Insurance in San Diego where he finished a stroke of the winner, the Australian Marc Leishman, despite his effort with an explosive final with an eagle and five birdies in the last six holes. However, the bad start on the last day of the Spaniard balked his chances. The Spaniard faces this attempt to the world number one in his second home. Jon Rahm studied at Arizona State and resides a few miles from the field that hosts the most tumultuous tournament of the year.

It is estimated that almost 200.000 people will pass through the countryside throughout the week, highlighting the par 3 hole 16, the noisiest hole in the world with bleachers with capacity for about 20,000 people. 'Rahmbo' will start his assault on the number today this afternoon with Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Thomas at 8 in the morning local time, four in the afternoon Spanish peninsular time.