Jon Rahm torn to shreds by analyst ahead of The Open: “Maybe it’s a coincidence…”

“The Unraveling of Jon Rahm: A Fall from Glory or Just a Coincidence?”

As Jon Rahm prepares for The Open, whispers about his recent form echo through the golf world. Esteemed Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch has sparked controversy with his scathing assessment of the Spaniard’s performance in major tournaments since joining LIV Golf. Is Rahm experiencing an inexplicable decline, or is it just an unfortunate slump year?

 

Rahm’s journey since switching to LIV Golf has been anything but smooth. His performance at Augusta National, where he once donned the green jacket, fell short of expectations. The Masters was a testament to Rahm’s struggles, where he barely made an impact. The subsequent PGA Championship saw him missing the cut, a disastrous outcome for a golfer of his caliber. To add to his woes, a foot injury forced him to withdraw from the US Open at Pinehurst No.2, further casting doubts on his readiness for The Open.

 

Lynch didn’t mince words when discussing Rahm’s plight. “To me, the biggest story is Jon Rahm,” he declared, highlighting Rahm’s irrelevance in major championships this year. Lynch reminisced about the Rahm of last year, a formidable force who clinched The Masters and was a significant contender in two other majors. The sharp contrast between then and now is stark.

 

“The game just hasn’t been there,” Lynch remarked. “Perhaps it’s a coincidence that it’s happened after he went to LIV Golf. Everyone has slump years, and maybe this is just his.” However, Lynch’s critical tone suggests that Rahm’s association with LIV Golf might be more than a mere coincidence.

 

Rahm’s upcoming challenge at Royal Troon is under intense scrutiny. The golfer, who finished tied second at The Open last year, now faces enormous pressure to redeem himself. Lynch’s commentary underscores the narrative that Rahm’s recent performances have been “miserably by his standards,” setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown at the year’s final men’s major.

 

But Lynch isn’t alone in his critique of LIV Golf. Brandel Chamblee, another former PGA Tour player, shares a similar disdain. The potential impact of a LIV player winning The Open could exacerbate the ongoing tension between the North American circuit and LIV’s Saudi financiers. Lynch speculates on the broader implications: “I think we’ve reached a point where what happens inside the ropes is less impactful than what’s happening outside the ropes.”

 

The wins of LIV golfers like Koepka and DeChambeau have already shaken the golf world. Rahm’s decision to join LIV was expected to create a seismic shift, but Lynch argues it fell short. “What it’s going to do is emphasize a dangerous reality for the PGA Tour,” Lynch warns, likening the situation to tennis, where only a few events matter. The PGA Tour faces the peril of becoming relevant only during major championships, a perception that, according to Lynch, needs immediate address.

 

As the 152nd Open Championship approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on Jon Rahm. Will he rise to the occasion and silence his critics, or will his slump continue, fueling further speculation about his future in the sport? The unfolding drama promises to captivate golf enthusiasts worldwide, as they eagerly await Rahm’s performance at Royal Troon from July 18-21.