Topsy-turvy ’21 gives Rahm perspective at Ryder Cup

By EDDIE PELLS
AP National Writer

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — In many ways, Jon Rahm’s biggest steps forward in 2021, to say nothing of his setbacks, came off the golf course. That adds a sense of perspective to anything that happens on it — even at the Ryder Cup, where a lot is expected from the once-tempestuous Spaniard. Rahm is the first European player to come to the Ryder Cup as No. 1 in the world since Rory McIlroy in 2014. He says he’s comfortable with that, and feels better about his role after a year in which he became a father, won his first major but also had a near-win at the Memorial wrested away because of a positive COVID-19 test.