Jon Rahm has become the second high-profile LIV golfer to withdraw from its Houston event following Louis Oosthuizen, who was replaced by Wade Ormsby before the second round of the tournament.
Unlike the Stinger GC captain, the Spaniard played the first six holes of his second round, but a foot injury meant that he could not continue at the Golf Club of Houston event – and that calls into question his involvement in next week’s US Open.
Rahm began the day at three under, and that’s where he finished after pars on each of his six completed holes. Assuming he doesn’t return for the third round, his withdrawal means that his run of seven successive top-10 finishes since his big-money move to the circuit will now come to an end.
While that is an immediate concerns, Rahm will also be aware of the potential implications for his involvement in next week’s US Open. Rahm was the champion of the Major three years ago and, despite disappointing finishes in both The Masters and PGA Championship this year, he is one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
While it is unclear how serious the injury is, the fact Rahm has needed to withdraw must be a concern with the third Major of the year now less than a week away.
Jon Rahm could be a doubt for the US Open, which he won in 2021
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The first sign that Rahm was struggling with the injury came in the first round when, on his fifth hole of the day, he struck a short-iron in and, on impact, was visibly in pain as he attempted to walk it off. It was then reported that the problem was being caused by a cut between his toes.
The withdrawal means that Rahm, who is one of 12 LIV Golf players heading to Pinehurst No.2 for next week’s Major, has only played 24 holes since missing the cut at the PGA Championship almost a month ago.
Because the Legion XIII captain withdrew mid-round, it means he won’t be replaced for the remainder of the day’s play. That won’t affect the numerical scoring for the team, as only three scores count in the second round. However, for the final round, scores from all four players count towards the final tally, meaning that if he doesn’t return, he will be replaced.