The 21st major start of Jon Rahm's career proved to be the moment that everyone had expected since his arrival on the PGA Tour in 2016.
With his US Open victory, the Spaniard returns to number one in the world rankings.
It was a major to savour with the best Sunday leaderboard in recent years and the drama continued right to the wire.
Rahm sealed his first victory in a major and his post round interview alluded to his familiarity to home with the Torrey Pines surroundings.
He felt like he was back home in Bilbao and that the stars had aligned. They are factors that can't be understated when a professional can feel comfort with the demands of the challenge.
Rahm was the number one amateur before turning professional and his rapid progression validates the question - will he become Europe’s greatest golfer? Is this the start of a major haul that will lead to history being made?
He has that explosive nature that, when harnessed, leads to a dynamic energy that produces thrilling finishes - and copious amounts of money and silverware follow.
He had to fend off a host of the top players who tried in vain to get to the required winning total. The sight of the world’s best being reduced to rubble in that final round underlined how difficult and cruel golf can be at times.
They all had a go at different times on Sunday. Bryson DeChambeau had the lead with eight holes to go and came home in 44.
Colin Morikawa also got close to pole position and faltered. Rory McIlroy was deep in the mix, too, just a shot back with eight to go and he faltered with an ill-timed three-putt followed by some horrendous luck on 12.
He walked off the 18th knowing that he had missed a golden opportunity to add to his four majors. He will be disappointed but I like the fact that he had a chance without ever being in full control. Good signs for the remainder of the season.
Louis Oosthuizen had the best chance and actually did very little wrong, it just didn’t go his way.
Luck played a huge part in the end and the break on nine for Rahm was the key ingredient missing for Oosthuizen. It is the South African's sixth runner-up finish in a major and surely his time is close.
Maybe Royal St Georges will be his time.
Rahm now sits atop of the golfing world and the new father displayed more maturity to sweep aside the bad luck of the Memorial - where he tested Covid positive while holding a six shot lead - and prove he is currently the most explosive dynamic golfer on the planet.
Maguire trending towards big things
Leona Maguire will be very pleased and excited at the opportunity this week to maybe claim her first major title - and her first victory in the United States.
Leona ran a dominant Nelly Korda to the final green last Sunday to claim second place, her biggest cheque of over $200,000 and with it a rise into the top 20 in the current LPGA standings.
It is gradual improvement and brings her earnings to almost half a million dollars for the season.
The influence of Dermot Byrne on her bag for the last two weeks has been huge. It was a big move for Byrne to leave the men’s tour, but his experience will be a big assist for Leona going forward.
It would be great to see her make the Solheim Cup team in the autumn and if her current form continues it is a given.
But her aims this week will be to continue on the same path and the pressure is less in the majors. At the moment, the buzz and hype will be with others.
Surely Maguire has the belief to contend again this week. Her stats are amazing - 76% of fairways, 72% of greens in regulation and averaging under 30 putts per round.
These numbers are at the very top of the game. Let’s hope the stars will align in Atlanta this week.
Bryson needs to learn some manners
Bryson DeChambeau has been a game changer since his arrival on the professional circuit, changing the way many people see the game and also getting the maximum from his ability.
He had major problems initially with slow play and learned from it and now plays the game at a different pace. He then decided to change his body and physic to maximise his chances of success.
The biggest change for him now must be his manners on the course and his respect for the people attending to witness his marvellous play.
His inability to shout fore is unacceptable. There is a huge responsibility to protect the paying public - and to act as if he is doing so.
He fails to do this and it should no longer be tolerated. He is not alone in this, but as with all great players he should adapt when needs must.
Whilst I love watching his rise, I feel if he can correct those inadequacies he will become a better player and person.
Here's hoping, because he does bring a different excitement to a leaderboard - 101 in golf is to shout FORE.
Betting Slip
Travellers Championship
Charlie Hoffman 40/1
Good course form and has E/W hopes here
Kevin Streelman 30/1
Live chance if he can translate recent major form
Brian Harman 28/1
Course should fit his game nicely
BMW International Open
Brandon Stone 70/1
Always capable if he finds form
Takumi Kanaya 50/1
Future star in the making
Thorbjorn Olesen 40/1
Showing signs of his old form
KPMG Women's PGA Championship
Jin Young Ko 16/1
My pick of the favourites
Leona Maguire 40/1
Hoping for history at a good price
