Jon Rahm

It seems sport is for the Spanish this summer.

After the successes of Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon and the Spanish football team at the Euros, Jon Rahm is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his countrymen at Royal Troon this week.

Rahm was busy playing in the final round of LIV Golf Andalucia on a memorable Sunday of sporting action but had no troubles keeping up to speed with events at Wimbledon and in Berlin.

“I couldn't watch the tennis because we were playing, but the crowd did us the favour by telling us the score and what was going on,” he said.

“I remember playing the 17th hole and I had to back out of my putt because somebody was reacting to the tennis on TV.

“The team was sharing a house that week, so me and Tyrrell (Hatton) watched it together. You can imagine that was a sight to see.”

Hatton has never been one to hide his emotions and Rahm says the experience of watching the football final alongside an irate Englishman was a unique one.

“It was a lot of fun for both of us,” he said. “It was exactly what you would expect it to be. Honestly, he's no different to any other football fan.

“I think he knew, especially early on with how good Spain was playing, that it was going to be a tough match for England.

“His reaction when [Cole] Palmer scored was an electric one. Let me just say that.”

Athletic Bilbao fan Rahm became something of an adopted Scotsman in light of England’s 2-1 defeat in Sunday’s Euros final, receiving a quite unexpected reception during his first practice round at Royal Troon on Monday.

“We played all 18 holes yesterday, and I think I got more congratulations for something that I didn't do than I ever have in my life,” joked Rahm.

His attention now turns to going one better than his tied-second finish at last year’s Open as he seeks to add the Claret Jug to his Masters green jacket and US Open trophy.

Rahm finished tied-59th at Troon in what was his maiden Open appearance and hopes he can make more special memories on his return this week.

“It is quite special coming back to a venue like this with so much history, it would be quite incredible to earn an Open on this golf course in this Championship,” he said.

“It's arguably my favourite week in golf, and to maybe continue this stretch of great Spanish sports would be absolutely fantastic on top of all the many things that make this week incredible.”

Rahm will begin his week alongside Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Bob MacIntyre in the first of Thursday's Featured Groups, admitting he has previously struggled to get to grips with the Genesis Scottish Open champion’s accent.

“I have a really hard time understanding what Bob says,” joked Rahm.

“As much as I might seem like I was born into the English language, whenever Bob speaks, to this day, I remember a few conversations where he said something and I just look at him. My mind just goes to yes or no and I try to skate by.”

But the biggest test of all lies on the course and former world number one Rahm is looking to keep things simple.

“It's like any other links, right? Keep it on the fairway, avoid bunkers,” he added.

“That's obviously going to set yourself up to -- put you in a position to 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.”