Former U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm has withdrawn from this year’s tournament at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina due to a foot injury that has also kept him out of a recent LIV Golf event. The injury is characterized by a lesion between his toes on his left foot that has led to an infection, causing swelling and pain. Despite consulting with doctors and his team, Rahm made the difficult decision to withdraw from the championship in the interest of his long-term health.
Prior to his official withdrawal, Rahm had publicly expressed concerns about his foot issue during a pre-tournament media appearance. He appeared wearing a flip-flop on his left foot along with a toe separator to keep the area dry, indicating that the discomfort was still present. Despite not committing to playing that week, Rahm ultimately decided to withdraw from the U.S. Open after only six holes of play during the LIV Golf event, where he had attempted to numb the area with a shot.
Jon Rahm’s foot injury has been a setback in his career, as he has struggled at major events following his move to LIV Golf last December. Despite finishing in the top 10 at three majors the previous year, including a win at the Masters at Augusta National, Rahm has faced challenges in recent tournaments. His performance at this year’s Masters and the PGA Championship has been subpar, and his joint 10th place finish at last year’s U.S. Open does not reflect his current form.
The decision to withdraw from the U.S. Open was a disappointing one for Rahm, who expressed his frustration on social media, stating that he hopes to return to action soon. His withdrawal came as a surprise to many, as he was initially listed in the field alongside notable players such as Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth for the first two rounds of the tournament. Rahm’s absence from the U.S. Open has left fans and experts wondering when he will be able to resume his competitive play and whether this injury will have lasting effects on his career.
Despite the setback, Jon Rahm remains optimistic about his future in golf and is focused on recovering from his foot injury. His decision to prioritize long-term health over short-term success demonstrates his commitment to his well-being and longevity in the sport. As he works through the challenges of his injury, Rahm will continue to be a player to watch on the professional golf circuit, with his sights set on returning to peak form and competing at the highest level once again.