Jon Rahm's 'Call of Duty' Mindset: How to Dominate the Final Holes
You ever feel like you’re just… coasting? You’re playing okay, maybe even decent, but you’re not exactly lighting the world on fire. The win is out of reach, but so is disaster. So what do you do? Just mail it in? Not Jon Rahm. This guy’s got a… weird strategy. Something borrowed from video games. Yeah, you heard me. Video games. And apparently, it’s working like a charm. He’s been on this incredible run, finishing high up there, and he says this whole “Call of Duty” thing is part of it. Let’s dive into what that even means and why, damn it, it might actually be the edge you need.
Rahm, he’s not exactly struggling. He’s been on a tear, consistently putting himself in contention. You look at his stats, and it’s almost unbelievable. Top 10s? All over the place. Bad weeks? Apparently, they’re rare. Like, really rare. He even pointed to a specific week in Korea, May 2025, as a “low, very low” point. And what was his finish? Tied for seventh. Seventh! If that’s a bad week for you, then the rest of us are just playing for participation trophies.
So, what’s the deal? How does someone maintain that kind of floor, that absolute refusal to have a truly terrible day? It’s not just about raw talent; it’s about a mindset. It’s about how you approach the game when the pressure’s on, but maybe not *that* much pressure. When you’re not in the hunt for the win, but you still want to compete. And that’s where this whole “Call of Duty” thing comes in. It sounds ridiculous, I know. But stick with me here. It’s not about shooting digital bad guys; it’s about a philosophy.
The "Duty" to Compete: More Than Just Showing Up
Rahm talks about a “duty” as a competitor. A duty to finish strong, to fight for every single spot on that leaderboard. He’s not one of those guys who checks out when the win is gone. He’s not thinking about his post-round burrito or trying out some wacky new swing thought on the 17th hole. He’s focused. And he says this focus comes from a place many of us know: competitive video games. Specifically, “Call of Duty.”
Now, before you roll your eyes and click away, hear him out. He compares it to something called “Scrap Time” in competitive “Call of Duty.” Think about it. In that game, teams are fighting to hold a specific spot on the map. This spot moves around. The crucial part? Those last few seconds before it shifts. It’s a mad dash. Players are sprinting, trying to grab every last bit of time in that zone. That’s “Scrap Time.” It’s a frantic, strategic scramble for every advantage.
How does that translate to golf? Well, imagine the end of a golf tournament. You’re not one of the top two or three guys battling for the win. The lead is too far away. But you’re also not in danger of missing the cut or falling way down the leaderboard. You’re in that middle ground. That’s your “Scrap Time.” What can you do in those final few holes, those last few shots, to claw your way up? To secure that top 10? To finish 32nd instead of 33rd?
Embracing Your "Scrap Time" on the Course
This is where the mental game really kicks in. It’s easy to get complacent when you’re not in contention. To think, “Ah, well, I tried.” But Rahm’s philosophy is the opposite. It’s about maximizing every single moment, even when the stakes feel lower. It’s a strategic decision, he says. Do you fight for those last few seconds? Do you grind for that extra spot on the leaderboard?
Consider this: last weekend, Rahm birdied the final two holes of LIV Singapore. If he’d made pars, he would have tied for seventh. Instead, he jumped into solo fifth. That’s an extra $275,000. Not a bad return on a little bit of extra effort, right? It wasn’t about winning the tournament, but about optimizing his finish. It was about fighting for “Scrap Time.”
He’s done this before, too. He recalled instances where one-putts instead of three-putts, or getting up and down from a tricky spot, kept him inside that coveted top 10. These aren’t flashy, pressure-cooker moments where you’re on the 18th green with a putt to win. These are often the less-noticed moments, the grind of the final few holes. But they add up. They make a difference. Not just to your bank account, but to your reputation as a competitor. It shows you’re in it until the very last second.
How You Can Apply Rahm's Strategy (Without Playing Video Games)
So, how do you, the average golfer, tap into this “Scrap Time” mentality? You don’t need to be a pro golfer or a “Call of Duty” expert. It’s about a shift in perspective. It’s about recognizing those moments and choosing to fight.
Here are some ways to implement this:
- Identify Your “Scrap Time”: For most of us, this is likely the back nine of a casual round, or maybe the last few holes of a club competition where the win is out of reach. It’s when you’re not stressed about losing, but also not dreaming of glory.
- Set Mini-Goals: Don’t just play out the string. Set a goal for the last few holes. Maybe it’s hitting every fairway. Maybe it’s making two birdies. Or, like Rahm, aiming for a specific finishing position. This gives you something concrete to focus on.
- Embrace the Grind: This means focusing on good fundamentals. Proper setup, a smooth tempo, and a commitment to making a solid golf swing on every single shot. Don’t get sloppy just because the pressure is off.
- Focus on Execution, Not Outcome: Rahm isn’t just wishing for birdies. He’s executing shots. He’s making putts. He’s getting up and down. Concentrate on the process of hitting a good shot, and the results will often take care of themselves.
- The “Duty” to Yourself: Think of it as your personal duty to play the best golf you can, for the entire round. It’s about respect for the game and for yourself as a player. Every shot matters, even if it’s not for the tournament lead.
It’s easy to let your mind wander when you’re not in contention. To start thinking about what you’ll have for dinner, or replaying that bad shot from the front nine. But Rahm’s approach is a stark reminder that there’s always something to play for. It’s about competitive spirit. It’s about maximizing your potential on any given day.
The Mental Edge: Why Consistency is King
What Rahm is doing is building an incredibly high floor for his game. He doesn’t have many bad days because he’s mentally prepared to compete even when things aren’t perfect. This translates to consistency, and in golf, consistency is everything. It’s what separates the good players from the truly great ones.
Think about it. If you can consistently finish in the top 10, even when you’re not playing your absolute best, that’s a massive advantage. You’re always in the mix. You’re always giving yourself opportunities. You’re not letting opportunities slip away due to mental lapses.
This “Scrap Time” mentality isn’t just about a few extra bucks or a slightly better finish. It’s about building a resilient mindset. It’s about proving to yourself that you can perform under pressure, even when that pressure isn’t the ultimate pressure of winning. It’s about developing the habits that lead to sustained success.
It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? That a strategy borrowed from a frantic video game can lead to such a calm, consistent approach to golf. But that’s the beauty of finding inspiration where you least expect it. Rahm found something that clicked for him, something that helps him maintain his edge. And it’s a powerful lesson for all of us.
So next time you’re out on the course, and you realize the win is a bit of a long shot, don’t pack it in. Think about your “Scrap Time.” Think about that duty to compete. Fight for every shot. You might just surprise yourself with how well you can finish. And who knows, maybe you’ll even earn an extra few bucks. Or at least, you’ll know you gave it your all. That’s what true competitors do. They don’t just play; they compete. All the way to the clubhouse. For more on developing a winning golf mindset, check out resources on golf instruction and the mental game.