After fighting back into contention at Aronimink Golf Club, Jon Rahm’s opening round took another turn when a moment of frustration led to an incident involving a volunteer.

During the media interaction shared via the PGA Championship on YouTube, the Spaniard explained what happened on the seventh hole.

“I got a flier on my second shot that went long. It's not a good spot. Just out of frustration, I tried to make an air swing, just over the grass, and I wasn't looking, took a divot, and unfortunately, I hit a volunteer.” 

Despite an early struggle, Rahm finished the round within striking distance of the lead. Frustrations ran high, and Rahm's divot regrettably stuck the volunteer in the face.

The 11-time PGA Tour winner was very apologetic in the post-match media interaction, and he had even apologized to the volunteer while on the course. While there was no ill intent, Rahm was profusely apologetic in this regard.

“Yeah, it hit him, and unfortunately, it hit him in the shoulder and then the face. Which I couldn't feel any worse. That's why I was there apologizing. I need to somehow track him down to give him a present because that's inexcusable and for something that could be completely avoidable,” said Jon Rahm.

“Whether it was my intention or not, it was just not good.”

Regardless of the occurrence, Rahm shot a 1-under 69 at Aronimink Golf Club and finished the day tied for 15th, only two shots off the top of the leaderboard.

Jon Rahm Finds Momentum After Early Struggles at PGA Championship

The 31-year-old’s round did not begin smoothly. Starting on the back nine alongside Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, Rahm found himself at 2-over through 10 holes as he struggled to settle into rhythm. 

The two-time major winner turned things around on the par-4 second hole after holing out from 98 yards for eagle, which pushed him back to even par and shifted the momentum of his round.

“It was a phenomenal shot, really good wedge shot. I came off that 1st green kicking myself because it was a wrong choice of shot for such a good drive. 105 yards away downwind, it was the wrong shot choice,” added Jon Rahm.

Fans will be hoping that Rahm takes this momentum forward going into the weekend as well.

Do you think Jon Rahm handled the incident the right way after the PGA Championship moment?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Surjo Ray