In a surprising turn of events, Jon Rahm has withdrawn from the US Open 2024, citing a peculiar toe injury. On a blazing hot Tuesday afternoon at Pinehurst No. 2, Rahm was seen limping around the course in an unusual footwear combination: a golf shoe on one foot and a flip-flop on the other. The unconventional choice drew attention, revealing a large bandage wrapped around his two smallest toes on his flip-flop-clad foot. Despite the seemingly minor appearance of the injury, Rahm’s pronounced limp suggested a deeper issue.
Jon Rahm Withdraws From the US Open 2024
Later that day, Rahm announced his withdrawal via social media. “After consulting with numerous doctors and my team, I have decided it is best for my long-term health to withdraw from this week’s US Open Championship,” he wrote. “To say I’m disappointed is a massive understatement! I wish all my peers the best of luck and want to thank all of the USGA staff, volunteers, and the Pinehurst community for hosting what I’m sure will be an amazing championship! Hopefully I’ll be back in action sooner than later!”
After consulting with numerous doctors and my team, I have decided it is best for my long term health, to withdraw from this weeks US Open Championship. To say I’m disappointed is a massive understatement! I wish all my peers the best of luck and want to thank all of the USGA…
— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmOfficial) June 11, 2024
Infection Caused the Withdraw
The injury, described as a “lesion” between his fourth and pinkie toes, became infected during the LIV Golf tournament in Houston the previous week. Rahm, who had to withdraw from that event as well, explained that a numbing injection intended to manage the pain led to severe discomfort, forcing him to exit the tournament early. “I don’t know how or what happened, but it got infected,” Rahm said during a press conference on Tuesday morning. “The pain was high.” Despite his efforts to manage the injury and the medical advice to keep the area dry, Rahm’s condition did not improve sufficiently. He had not stepped onto the Pinehurst course for practice, hoping to allow his toe more time to heal. His terse demeanor during the press conference reflected his frustration and uncertainty about his ability to compete.
When asked about the injury’s impact, Rahm was forthright. “Oh, it’s a concern,” he admitted. “It’s doing better, but it’s definitely still in pain.” Although Rahm’s appearance at the press conference initially raised hopes that he might compete, his comments suggested otherwise. “Could I have dragged myself out there and posted some kind of a score? Yeah. But it was getting to a point where I wasn’t making the swings I wanted to make, and I could have hurt other parts of my swing just because of the pain,” he said regarding his withdrawal in Houston. His uncertainty about the US Open 2024 became clear as he concluded, “As to right now this week, I don’t know.” By Tuesday evening, Rahm decided he had seen enough, officially withdrawing from the US Open just after 5 p.m. local time. His withdrawal opened up a spot for Jackson Suber, a 24-year-old Korn Ferry Tour pro from Tampa, Florida.