Rahm overturned a seven-shot deficit, with a significant helping hand from long-time leader Collin Morikawa, to claim his eighth PGA Tour title earlier this month in Hawaii.

The World No.4 carded a stunning final round of 63 as Morikawa stumbled to a closing 72, leaving the Spaniard to quickly target more silverware ahead of The American Express tournament in La Quinta, California that begins on Thursday.

"It's obviously very rewarding to win, but to get it done this early in the year it's nice," Rahm told a pre-tournament press conference.

"I've seen a few players win that event and then go on a tear for a year. Like Cam Smith being the last one last year.

"I'm hoping it's one of those years that can start properly and get a couple wins and hopefully a major in there."

Smith used his win in Hawaii as the launch pad for a brilliant season that climaxed with him winning The Players Championship and then The Open at St Andrews, before he made his high-profile, highly lucrative switch to LIV Golf.

"It's always nice to get a good bunch of FedExCup points early in the year but to start 2023 with a win, let's just say it maximises my opportunities to get as many wins as possible. It's a great start," Rahm said.

Rahm hit the headlines 12 months ago for his expletive-laden rant, complaining about the easy conditions on the Nicklaus Tournament Course, one of three used for the American Express tournament.

Asked for his thoughts at returning to the venue, Rahm said on Wednesday: "I'm thinking that last year's comments might come bite me in the ass! Although it was more venting off on the golf course.

"I think for me it's obviously a great event and it's got a lot of history.

"I've loved it every time I've come here, despite what I said on the golf course last year. That's just a player letting out some frustration."