Jon Rahm’s Fiery Defense of Rory McIlroy: A Closer Look at the Controversial US Open Putt and the Commentator’s Critique

Jon Rahm’s Fiery Defense of Rory McIlroy: A Closer Look at the Controversial US Open Putt and the Commentator’s Critique

In a dramatic turn of events following last month’s US Open at Pinehurst, Spanish golf star Jon Rahm has taken a firm stand, calling out commentator Smylie Kaufman for his seemingly dismissive description of Rory McIlroy’s crucial putt on the final hole. The Northern Irishman’s heart-wrenching miss for par on the 18th green left him trailing by a single stroke behind eventual champion Bryson DeChambeau, bringing a bitter end to his quest for a fifth major title, one that has eluded him for a decade.

 

McIlroy, who has been one of golf’s most compelling figures, found himself in a prime position to end his major drought with just five holes remaining. Leading his American rival by two shots, the 37-year-old appeared to be on the verge of reclaiming his place at the pinnacle of the sport. However, the pressure and the unforgiving nature of Pinehurst’s 18th green had other plans.

 

As McIlroy lined up for what would become his penultimate shot of the US Open, commentator Kaufman’s words resonated through television screens across the world: “You just got to hammer it. And it needs to hit the back of the hole, go up and then go down. Not outside the hole. It’s a left-centre putt, but you can make it if you start it right in the middle, too.”

 

These seemingly straightforward instructions masked the true difficulty of McIlroy’s predicament, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Jon Rahm. Forced to miss the US Open due to a foot injury, Rahm closely followed the action from afar, and it was Kaufman’s analysis that sparked his ire. Speaking out a few days after the event, the 29-year-old Spaniard didn’t hold back in his critique.

 

“I thought from the times I had it on [the television] and I could hear, I thought [the broadcast] was okay,” Rahm began. “One of the things that absolutely burned me, and I think it was Smylie who said it, he severely underplayed how difficult Rory’s putt on 18 was. When he said it’s a left-centre putt, if you hit that putt left-centre and miss the hole, you’re off the green because of how much slope there is.”

 

Rahm’s detailed analysis of the putt highlighted a crucial point often overlooked by commentators and casual viewers alike. “You could see Rory aiming at least a cup left from three feet. They severely underplayed how difficult that putt was. Severely. I think that can happen a few times where, unless you’ve been there on the golf course and you’re playing it or you’ve played it, it’s hard to truly explain how difficult the golf course can be. A lot of times they only have those five seconds to say something quickly, so I also don’t blame them. But besides that, I thought it was good.”

 

The Spaniard’s defense of McIlroy adds a new layer of intrigue to an already compelling storyline. While Rahm’s words may come across as protective of his fellow competitor, they also serve as a reminder of the fine margins that define success and failure in professional golf.

 

Following his heart-wrenching near-miss, McIlroy took some much-needed time off to recover from the disappointment of North Carolina. However, the resilient veteran is set to make a comeback at the Scottish Open next week at The Renaissance Club. In a fitting tribute to his incredible talent, the course’s chiefs have installed a plaque to honor McIlroy’s breathtaking victory last year, where a stunning 202-yard shot on the final hole paved the way for his triumph.

 

As McIlroy prepares for his return to the spotlight, the golfing world eagerly anticipates whether he can channel the frustration of the US Open into renewed success. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the storied career of one of golf’s greatest talents.