Bonnie Twitty
The world’s highest-rated golfer returns to play this week in the Sentry Tournament of Champions, his first competitive outing in nearly three months.
That spare time after 2021 was much needed, Jon Ram said on Tuesday from Kaplua Plantation.
“I’ve had my Covid moments, being a dad, winning the US Open, playing great golf and then playing the great Ryder Cup,” Ram said. Via Golf Digest. So when the Ryder Cup ended, I was exhausted for the past year and a half. Not just the past four months, but a year and a half ago. And after I went to Spain and finished playing, I just needed a break. Not only for me, but also for my family.
Ram finished in the top 10 last season on the PGA Tour and finished in the top 10 in his last six events of the season. He also won the US Open in June, marking his first major tournament.
However, just prior to this victory at Torrey Pines, Ram tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament with a stunning six-shot lead. He was partially vaccinated in that event.
Ram tested positive for the second time a month later and was forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics.
Ram returned to the Tour in the FedExCup qualifiers and finished second behind Patrick Cantlay in the Tour Championship in September. After the Ryder Cup, Ram returned to Europe to play some events in Spain, but it didn’t go well. He finished T17 at the Spanish Open before losing the notch to the Andalucía Masters.
“This is the first time in my life that I don’t want to see a golf club,” Ram said in October. “And that comes from someone who loves the sport, and after a year some good things have happened.”
So, he took a break and spent time with his wife Kelly and their new son Kippa.
“We got through it together and I just wanted to be a father and a husband and to be there for my wife and son,” Ram said on Tuesday. Via Golf Digest. “I am so glad I did because from her birth we got help at night and Kelly got help but I wasn’t of that help because I was competing and I had to sleep to be competitive. As soon as I got home I told him I wanted to participate more I’m older, and I obviously wanted to help out, and during those two months, I really enjoyed having to get up a few times each night and take care of my son.
“To be able to be there in the morning, bathe him in the morning, feed him, bathe him at night, just enjoy the simple things of parenting and know that once he starts going to school I’m pretty much going missing 50 percent of his life. I really wanted to cherish those Moments. I know I won’t regret every time I decide to spend more time with my family and that’s what this decision was based on and I couldn’t be happier that I made that decision.
Ram will now compete in the Winners’ Square only in Hawaii this week for the start of 2022. Currently Listed at +900 to win the Champions Tournament in BetMGM, just behind Justin Thomas at +800.
Although Colin Morikawa is getting close to him in the world golf rankings, Ram said he is happy with the break.
“I feel great. Yes, I am happy,” Ram said. Via Golf Digest. Rest mind and body, I’m ready to start the year.
Laurence Malcom
