Jon Rahm may not feature in next week’s U.S. Open after the Spaniard was forced to withdraw from LIV Golf’s event in Houston with a toe injury.
Rahm had only played six holes of his second round when he called it quits.
He had managed to card six consecutive pars and, despite being three-under par for the tournament, decided he could no longer continue.
Rahm looked in visible anguish during Friday’s opening round but he battled on, posting a three-under 69.
It has now emerged that the former Masters champion was dealing with a cut between his toes.
According to LIV Golf’s communications team, Rahm’s cut developed into an infection.
Louis Oosthuizen also withdrew from the second round due to a lower back injury and had to be replaced by Wade Ormsby.
As for Rahm, the 29-year-old is now in a race against time to be fit for next week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2.
Rahm, who has now fallen to seventh in the Official World Golf Ranking, is still among the betting favourites despite not being at the races at the majors this year.
He finished in a tie for 45th when he attempted to defend his green jacket at Augusta National and followed that with a missed cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Rahm has not won a LIV Golf event since joining the breakaway tour last December.
But he has finished inside the top-10 of every event he has played and is currently second in LIV’s individual standings.
The 2024 U.S. Open will be played over 13-16 June.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is the overwhelming favourite to clinch his third major title.
Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Viktor Hovland are also among those tipped to do well.
Watched our latest YouTube video?