Jon Rahm has faced significant criticism regarding his performance in major golf championships since his high-profile move to the LIV Golf tour.
Eamon Lynch, a commentator for the Golf Channel, has been particularly vocal, labeling Rahm a “competitive irrelevance” at majors.
This harsh assessment comes as Rahm prepares for The Open at Royal Troon, following underwhelming performances in other major tournaments this year.
Rahm’s troubles began when he failed to defend his Masters title and did not perform up to expectations at the PGA Championship.
His challenges were compounded by a foot injury that forced him to withdraw from the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2, further detracting from his season’s achievements. Lynch attributes Rahm’s poor form directly to his move to LIV Golf, hinting that the transition might not be coincidental with his slump.
Rahm, who secured a lucrative £450 million deal with LIV Golf backed by Saudi Arabia at the end of 2023, has been struggling to find his footing in the new tour. Lynch’s comments highlight a stark contrast to Rahm’s previous season, where he was a dominant force, winning the Masters and being a strong contender in multiple majors. The commentator speculates whether this dip in performance is a temporary slump or a deeper issue stemming from his transition to LIV Golf.
Responding to the criticism, Rahm has defended his performance, suggesting that the media has exaggerated his struggles. He maintains that aside from a couple of disappointing weeks, he has been competitive, consistently finishing in the top 10 in most tournaments. Rahm remains optimistic about his form and dismisses the negative portrayal of his recent performances.
As Rahm heads into The Open, the scrutiny on his performance is intense. Many are eager to see if he can overcome the challenges and regain his competitive edge. With his reputation on the line, Rahm’s performance at Royal Troon will be crucial in determining whether he can silence his critics and prove that he remains a significant force in the golfing world.
