Jon Rahm is regarded as one of the top golfers globally. Though he doesn’t often engage with the media or show up frequently on platforms like YouTube, he has a charming personality—he’s thoughtful, humorous, and relatable. On the golf course, however, he transforms into one of the sport’s toughest competitors, not just to others but often towards himself as well.
This intensity was evident during the PGA Championship’s first round at Aronimink Golf Club, located just outside Philadelphia. Prior to the event, some speculated that playing conditions might be easier due to fewer trees and obstacles lining the fairways. However, as play wrapped up on Thursday, it turned out to be more challenging than many had anticipated. The course is a par 70, and most leading golfers ended up around three under par. In a post-round press conference, Rahm offered his thoughts.
“There was some discussion earlier this week suggesting a score of 15 to 20 under might be needed to win,” he noted. “I think that got to someone at the PGA, and they made adjustments. If the course maintains its current level of difficulty, it definitely won’t be like that.”
Rahm quickly discovered just how tough the 7th hole could be. His drive landed in the left rough and barely missed the fairway. Ultimately, he faced a tricky lie, sending his second shot deep into the right rough. Some local journalists, frustrated by his errant shot, reported that his club struck the tall grass and ended up hitting a nearby volunteer in the face.
Reporter Gabby Herzig commented, “Frustrated, Jon Rahm swung in the rough after approaching No. 7, and a clump of grass struck the volunteer.” She mentioned that Rahm seemed quite distressed and promptly went over to apologize.
Stuck in a difficult spot, Rahm couldn’t recover and submitted to a bogey. Some viewers caught his swing during ESPN’s coverage. After the round, he reflected, saying, “I couldn’t have imagined it going any worse.” He continued, “Thanks for reminding me. I overshot my second shot and ended up in a bad place. Out of frustration, I tried to take a swing at the grass, but since I wasn’t looking, I accidentally hit the ball.”
He further added, “Yes, it hit him, unfortunately in the shoulder, then in the face. I felt terrible about it, which is why I apologized immediately. I need to find him and get him something, as that shouldn’t have happened. No matter my intentions, it wasn’t right.”
Eventually, Rahm returned to his game and finished the round at one under par, positioning himself for a shot at his third major title. Interestingly, amidst all the excitement, he managed to hole out twice, including one from over 100 yards out.
It seems there’s always something surprising in store.
