The reigning Masters Champion and World No. The world’s No. 1 golfer suffered a setback on his quest for a second major championship this season.
Rahm’s performance in the first round of this prestigious event was disappointing. He posted a score of 6 over par 76. This was the lowest score a World No. 1 has ever posted in an opening round. The PGA Championship has never had a World No. 1 before.
Rahm’s round was plagued by difficulties from the start. After a par at the first hole, Rahm quickly fell into a bogey on Holes 2 & 3, pushing his score up to 2-over.
Rahm’s front-nine struggles continued, as he suffered bogeys, and then a double bogey, on the 6th, and 7th, holes respectively. This resulted in a 5-over score. Rahm’s score was 4-over despite a short glimmer with a par and a birdie at the 8th.
Defending Masters champions curse? Rahm fights against historical trend at PGA Championship
Jon Rahm’s round was disappointing as he only managed five consecutive pars, including on the par-5 13th. Three consecutive bogeys at the end of his game further dimmed any hopes of a comeback.
Rahm’s lackluster performance in Rochester, New York was a stark contrast from his triumph at the Master last April where he won with an incredible 12-under score. Rahm could miss the cut if he doesn’t perform well in the second round.
Rahm is a player with the skills and determination to change the tide, despite the difficult circumstances. He must, however, overcome the historical trend which suggests that defending Masters champions struggle at subsequent major tournaments.
According to sportsnews, Rahm must make a dramatic turnaround in the second-round in order to have a chance at winning the Wanamaker Trophy 2023. He is tied for 130th and needs to make significant progress in order to qualify for the weekend.
All eyes will be focused on Rahm to see if he can defy all odds and assert his dominance on golf course.
