Jon Rahm Faces Setback at LIV Houston: Can He Bounce Back for the U.S. Open?

Jon Rahm Faces Setback at LIV Houston: Can He Bounce Back for the U.S. Open?

Jon Rahm’s week at LIV Houston came to an abrupt end during the second round on Saturday. The two-time major champion was forced to withdraw due to an injury, but his playing partner Lucas Herbert’s reaction provided a glimmer of hope for Rahm’s fans.

Rahm displayed visible discomfort during the opening round on Friday, particularly at the par-three seventh hole, where he winced and limped after his tee shot. Reports later confirmed that the Spaniard was dealing with a cut between his toes, necessitating on-course treatment. Despite this, Rahm managed to card an impressive three-under-par 69, with his only mishap being a double bogey on the 18th hole.

Returning to the course for the second round on Saturday, Rahm’s struggle with his injury became evident. After making six pars, the discomfort proved too much, leading him to withdraw from the tournament.

This setback couldn’t come at a worse time, with the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 just days away. Whether Rahm’s withdrawal was a precautionary measure remains unclear. He has yet to announce if he will withdraw from the U.S. Open, starting next Thursday.

As Rahm informed his playing partners of his decision to withdraw, Lucas Herbert offered encouraging words: “Go ——- win next week.” This supportive gesture suggests optimism about Rahm’s potential participation in the upcoming major.

Rahm is no stranger to U.S. Open success, having won his first major at the event in 2021 at Torrey Pines. With a stellar final round of 67, he finished six-under for the week, one stroke ahead of Louis Oosthuizen.

Since moving to LIV for 2024, Rahm has struggled to find his footing in major championships. His defense of the Masters crown at Augusta National ended in a disappointing tie for 45th at nine-over-par, far behind champion Scottie Scheffler. The struggles continued at last month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla, where Rahm missed the cut for the first time in five years.

The question on everyone’s mind is whether Jon Rahm can recover in time for the U.S. Open. While his recent form has been less than stellar, Rahm’s proven track record in majors and the support from fellow golfers like Lucas Herbert might be the motivation he needs to bounce back.