Not an easy start for the Spanish defending champion at the US Open in Brookline, Massachusetts. On his first round, Jon Rahm experienced a veritable roller coaster ride over the 18 holes. Wild tee shots into deep rough, outstanding saves for a par save and long putts for birdie. It really was all there, and on top of that there was the scene on the 18th hole where Rahm missed the fairway again, but when he went for his ball, it was no longer in the place where it was initially spotted.
US Open 2022: Detective Rahm quickly spots the culprits
After the round, Rahm was asked about the incident on 18. The Spaniard visibly took the scene in stride, especially since he was awarded a free drop under the rules. Rahm also stated for the record that he saw the two offenders who took the ball on the court. Apparently, two younger fans had unceremoniously decided to take the ball from the former world number one.
“I’m pretty sure I know who did it,” he said, visibly amused. “I’m 100 percent sure I saw the two kids who stole it. The two of them were running in the opposite direction and had huge smiles on their faces.”
To the kids who stole @JonRahmpga‘s golf ball on the 18th hole, he knows who you are. 😂 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Nh5YeeoXV9 — Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 16, 2022
Lucky for Rahm and, of course, lucky for the two fans that the scene ended without disadvantage for the Spaniard. Quite the opposite, in fact. Rahm took advantage of the free drop, played the ensuing ball to the 18th green and holed the 20-foot putt for a birdie worth seeing. With this, Rahm moved up to a score of -1 for the day and is now tied for 14th place.