So much of the focus heading into the PGA Championship appears to be on Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau, with Jon Rahm one of those not attracting quite the same attention heading to Quail Hollow.
Jon Rahm continued his remarkable record of never finishing outside the top 10 in a LIV Golf event in Korea, with the Spaniard ending up in a tie for seventh in Incheon.
Of course, that is a brilliant achievement. However, with LIV still fighting for credibility, it remains vital for the league that their players impress in the majors. And it is safe to say that Rahm has not done that since making the jump from the PGA Tour.
His Masters defence was underwhelming, while he missed the cut at the PGA Championship. A top 10 at The Open Championship came about after a superb final round at Royal Troon.
What Jon Rahm needs to improve to stand any chance of contending at the PGA Championship
He was not a factor at Augusta National once again this past year. Rahm claimed that he had been unfairly judged by his performances in the majors in 2024. So he definitely appears to have a point to prove heading into the PGA Championship.
The problem is that Rahm does not have a good record at Quail Hollow, and seemingly does not have much of an affection for the North Carolina course.
And speaking on 5 Clubs, Brendon de Jonge admitted that he does not think that Rahm will be in the mix come Sunday, while Johnson Wagner shared what has to change for the 30-year-old to put himself in contention at the second major of the year.
“Listening to him at Augusta, he was in a much better headspace, definitely in a much better headspace, kind of got over his decision to an extent. I don’t think he’s going to be a factor, mainly for what Taylor’s talking about – he just doesn’t like the place. He only played the tournament once in ’21 and missed the cut. I know he played the PGA. As you say, there are certain places you don’t like, maybe it doesn’t fit his eye, maybe doesn’t like lines off the tee, and it happens,” de Jonge said.
“I know he said some words about the fourth hole, the par three. He doesn’t like that hole. I don’t know the exact quote, I’ve looked for it, I can’t find it, but he had some pretty choice words about that hole. But for Rahm since going to LIV, his first rounds and really just starting major championships have been appalling. He did really well Friday just to even make the cut at Augusta this past year and had a great weekend. So for him to be in contention, he needs to get off to a better start. Since going, I think he’s over par on the front nine every single round first round of a major,” Wagner added.
How Jon Rahm has started each major since moving to LIV Golf
Rahm has one top 10 in his last four major starts. And he has got off to some slow starts along the way.
In those last four majors, he has been under par at the turn in his opening round on just one occasion – the 2024 Masters. And he would end that day over par after coming home in three over par.
He began the PGA Championship with a three over par opening nine, while he was only one shot better at last month’s Masters. Interestingly, he shot the same score as Rory McIlroy over the weekend at Augusta National.
Rahm is entitled to have a dip in form. And his performances on LIV show that he remains one of the most outstanding players on the planet.
However, there is no question at all that he has done little – so far – to silence those who believe that being on LIV has done his game few favours.
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