Jon Rahm carded a four-under 67 on day one of the Olympic golf event, and the Spaniard is firmly in contention to add a gold medal to his already glittering resume.
It’s been a positive couple of weeks for the 29-year-old. The 2023 Masters champion tied seventh at The Open before winning his maiden LIV Golf title at JCB Golf and Country Club.
Despite Rahm claiming he was still getting used to LIV’s format, the two-time major winner now looks at home on the breakaway venture. It’s even rumoured that Rahm has been working on recruiting LIV’s newest recruits behind the scenes.
Regardless of his good form, Rahm is always honest about his performance, and it was no different after his first round at Le Golf National.
Jon Rahm reflects on ‘terrible’ 16th hole at the Olympics
Rahm started his back nine on one-under but quickly moved up the field after making two birdies and an eagle, coming at the par-five 14th.
However, the Spaniard’s only dropped shot of the day came two holes later on the par-three 16th after he found the water from the tee, resulting in a double bogey.
Speaking after his round, Rahm gave an honest verdict on his struggles on the third hole from home.
“It was a good day, a good result,” said Rahm. I wasn’t comfortable on the course, but on the 13th and 12th, I saved some shots, so I had a great day. It’s a shame that swing on 16; I didn’t expect it; it was a terrible swing.”
He added: “I took an extra club to make sure I got to the green, but at the end, I finished well.”
The 16th was tough on day one of the 2024 Olympics
Rahm wasn’t the only player to struggle on the 145-yard par three. Upon the conclusion of the first round, the 16th was ranked the third hardest hole at Le Golf National with a scoring average of 0.117 over par.
On day one, the world’s best players, on average, made 3.117 on the short par three. Furthermore, more players made double bogey or worse on this hole than on any other hole.
The 16th is the start of a tough finishing stretch at Le Golf National. During Thursday’s play, six double bogeys, or worse, were made on the 18th, and just four birdies were registered.
The 443-yard par four was ranked the most demanding hole during the first round, with a scoring average of 4.400, 0.4 over par. If the 18th continues to play tough, it could prove decisive come the latter stages of the 2024 Olympic event.
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