Jon Rahm has enjoyed strong support at the Olympics, despite the Spaniard being part of the LIV Golf tour.
Rahm wanted the Olympic course to be made more difficult, as he represented Spain at the 2024 Paris event.
Le Golf National has played host, with 60 of the world’s top players making an appearance before the withdrawal of Matt Fitzpatrick.
Rahm didn’t want to remind Xander Schauffele of his success this year so far, with the pair battling it out for Olympic gold.
Schauffele won the biggest prize last time out, with the American taking the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Jon Rahm shares difference between the Olympics and the majors
Rahm is taking time out of the LIV Golf schedule to take part in the competition, having also competed at three of the four majors this year.
The Spaniard has now discussed the differences between the majors and the Olympics, saying in a press conference: “We are very close to Spain compared to most of the other majors.
“But yeah, you know, like obviously every country, but Spain, they are very passionate people towards their country.
“They usually travel very well for big sporting events, and obviously a lot of them came to the Olympics to watch whatever they wanted to watch. Many of them have decided to come here, as well, right.
“There’s a lot bigger Spanish presence than I expected. They usually obviously wear the flag colours which are very visible from any distance and they tends to be about the loudest usually on the course, as well, no matter where I am, and it really helps out.
“But I must say, the rest of the crowd has been fantastic as well. It’s been an enjoyable week. The reception we’ve had on the first tee has been fantastic.”
How did Jon Rahm do at the 2024 majors?
With LIV Golf players allowed to play in the PGA Tour-sanctioned majors, Rahm would have been keen to silence all of his critics.
But the Spaniard didn’t get off to the best of starts away from LIV Golf, finishing tied for 45th at the Masters.
READ MORE: All you need to know about the 2024 Olympics at Le Golf National
He then missed the cut at the PGA Championship, before being forced to withdraw from the US Open due to a foot injury.
But a recovery was made for The Open, where he posted a much better tied seventh finish at Royal Troon.
He headed into the Olympics in fine form, having won his first LIV Golf individual title at LIV Golf UK, with his Legion XIII team earning their fourth win of the season.
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