Jon Rahm Shows True Colors Amid LIV Golf Criticism: Prioritizes Health Over U.S. Open
Jon Rahm Shows True Colors Amid LIV Golf Criticism: Prioritizes Health Over U.S. Open
In a surprising turn of events, Jon Rahm, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, has withdrawn from this year’s tournament. Before his withdrawal, Rahm addressed the media, confronting criticism regarding his recent form since joining LIV Golf. Rahm, one of the most prominent golfers of his generation, continues to make headlines with his performance and career decisions.
Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf in December 2023 stunned the golf community. His transition to the Saudi-backed league came with a staggering £450 million deal. Despite not clinching an individual title yet, Rahm has consistently placed in the top 10 in seven out of his completed tournaments, excluding his recent withdrawal at LIV Houston.
Rahm’s participation in the 2024 majors has been underwhelming. At the Masters, he finished tied for 45th, far behind champion Scottie Scheffler. This was followed by a missed cut at the PGA Championship, marking his first absence from a major weekend since 2019. These setbacks led to heightened scrutiny of his form post-LIV Golf move.
Ahead of the U.S. Open, Rahm addressed these critiques head-on. “Yeah, I’m in a happy place,” he asserted. “It’s not like I’ve been playing bad, even though a lot of you make it sound like I’m playing bad. I had two bad weeks… I’ve been top 10 and had a chance to win in most of the tournaments I’ve played, and then unfortunately Augusta and PGA wasn’t my best showings. But yeah, I’m happy.”
Rahm remains optimistic about the second half of the year. “I mean, it’s been a wonderful career so far. And yeah, it hasn’t been the best first half of the year, but there’s been many times where I haven’t had a great start, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great finish,” he stated.
Rahm’s decision to withdraw from the U.S. Open was influenced by a lingering injury from LIV Houston. Emphasizing his long-term health, Rahm tweeted, “After consulting with numerous doctors and my team, I have decided it is best for my long term health, to withdraw from this weeks US Open Championship. To say I’m disappointed is a massive understatement!
Rahm’s withdrawal is a significant moment in his career, reflecting his commitment to maintaining peak health for future competitions. As he continues to navigate his journey with LIV Golf, Rahm’s focus on recovery and future success remains steadfast. Fans and critics alike will be keen to see how he bounces back in the latter half of 2024.
