Jon Rahm shocked by his reception from Olympic golf fans when compared to Xander Schauffele’s

Jon Rahm shocked by his reception from Olympic golf fans when compared to Xander Schauffele’s

Jon Rahm is in a prime position to secure his first Olympic medal as he heads into the weekend at the 2024 Paris Olympics, being held at the prestigious Le Golf National. The two-time major winner has shown impressive form, especially on day two of the competition, where he delivered a stellar performance by shooting a five-under 65. This round propelled him to solo fourth place on the leaderboard, placing him firmly in contention for the podium finish he’s aiming for.

Rahm’s day was characterized by consistent play, making three birdies on each nine of the course to bring his total to nine under for the tournament. Despite his initial wish for the course to firm up and present a greater challenge, the gentler conditions at Le Golf National seemed to play to his advantage. The soft, forgiving greens allowed him to capitalize on his opportunities, helping him ascend the leaderboard and stay in striking distance of the leaders.

In his post-round press conference, Rahm took a moment to express his gratitude for the robust support he has received from the Spanish fans who made the journey to Paris. “The Spanish crowd travels really well, especially being as close as we are to Spain,” Rahm remarked. “It’s an easy commute to Paris—whether it’s by car, train, or plane. So it’s quite convenient for fans to make the trip.” His appreciation for the enthusiastic support was evident, as he noted the presence of a considerable Spanish contingent throughout the golf course.

Rahm’s acknowledgment extended beyond just the Spanish fans. He also remarked on the broader atmosphere of the event and expressed his surprise at the varying levels of support for different players. “You could tell there was a lot of Spanish crowd out there, cheering on David and others,” he continued. “It was a lot of fun. But I was also a bit surprised by the reception Xander Schauffele received. Given his recent win at The Open Championship and his status as the defending Olympic Champion, I expected a bit more buzz around him. Perhaps the presence of European players and the Ryder Cup history in 2018 contributed to the strong reactions from the French and Spanish fans, making the experience even more special.”

As Rahm continues his quest for Olympic glory, his European Ryder Cup background and proximity to his native Spain make him a highly popular figure in the competition. His absence from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 only heightens his eagerness to capture an Olympic medal—a rare achievement that only a few sportsmen across various disciplines can claim.

With several notable names rising to the top of the leaderboard, the stage is set for an exhilarating finish to the tournament. As golf takes center stage, the anticipation for a dramatic conclusion to the event at Le Golf National continues to build. Rahm’s performance and the overall competitiveness of the field promise an exciting climax as the weekend unfolds.