Former champion Jon Rahm has pulled out from the imminent US Open to take place at Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina, owing to a severe foot complication. Rahm left the LIV Golf League event in Houston prematurely during Saturday’s second-round because of an infected left foot. He appeared at Pinehurst for his pre-match press briefing in a single shoe and flip-flop.
The double major titleholder conceded that there was uncertainty surrounding his appearance, and after approximately six hours later, confirmed his inability to take part in the third significant tournament of the year. In a social media post, Rahm stated, “Upon consultation with several medical professionals and my group, I’ve concluded that for the benefit of my long-term health, it’s best that I pull out from this week’s US Open Championship.”
Rahm expressed major disappointment in his statement, wishing fellow competitors luck for the championship and appreciating the USGA staff, volunteers, and Pinehurst community for organising the championship. Rahm added that he hopes to return to the game sooner rather than later.
During his pre-match press conference, Rahm revealed that he was still suffering from an indeterminate injury. “It seems to be a skin lesion,” Rahm elaborated and pointed out a small hole located between his small toe and the adjacent toe. He was unsure of how or what caused the infection. Despite receiving a painkilling injection, he was in pain just by the second hole.
Although the infection is currently under control, Rahm noted that his irregular footwear choice was due to swelling and persistent pain. The aim was to keep the hurt area dry to expedite healing as much as possible.
Rahm’s withdrawal tops off a rather disappointing performance in this major season following his swap to LIV Golf. The defending champion managed to finish only 45th in the Masters and couldn’t even pass the cut in the US PGA held last month.
While many believe that the Spaniard’s performance has been less than stellar, he maintains that this isn’t entirely accurate. Although he’s had a couple of poor weeks, he has regularly placed within the top 10 and has been a contender for victory in most competitions he’s participated in. His performance at Augusta and PGA, however, were not his finest moments. Despite experiencing a less successful initial half of the year, he remains optimistic, pointing out that a slow start doesn’t preclude a strong finish. Looking back, he feels satisfied with his career achievements thus far.