Shocking moment Jon Rahm almost snaps his club in fury amid frustrating Masters opening round

Jon Rahm’s Masters Opening Round Marred by Club Frustration

Former Masters champion Jon Rahm experienced a stark contrast to his 2023 triumph on Thursday, visibly displaying his frustration during the opening round. The Spanish golfer, seeking to rediscover his major championship form after his move to LIV Golf in December 2023, carded a three-over 75 at Augusta National in a disappointing start to the tournament.

Rahm’s Temper Flare-Up on the Ninth Hole

Just nine holes into his round, signs of mounting frustration emerged for the passionate Spaniard. On the ninth tee, Rahm’s tee shot veered sharply into the trees lining the right side of the fairway. Visibly dismayed as he watched his ball deviate off course, he tossed his club to the ground in disbelief before resorting to kicking it.

Already at two-over par for the day, this errant drive seemed to be a breaking point. Rahm retrieved the club and appeared on the verge of snapping it in two with his bare hands.

A commentator humorously remarked, “Be careful, you might need that a little later on,” a prescient statement as it turned out. Despite the detour into the trees, Rahm remarkably salvaged par on the ninth. However, the reprieve was short-lived as he conceded another stroke on the tenth, escalating his score to three-over.

Further Setbacks and a Glimmer of Hope

Rahm’s difficulties continued as he bogeyed the 11th, marking his fifth bogey of the round. He managed to regain a stroke with a birdie on the par-5 13th. Following the initial 18 holes at Augusta, he finds himself tied for 63rd position.

Reflecting on Recent Major Performances

This incident encapsulated the two-time major victor’s struggles, not only during Thursday’s round at Augusta but also in his recent major championship appearances.

LIV Golf Move and Major Championship Form

Since transitioning to LIV Golf in a reported $500 million deal in 2023, Rahm has encountered challenges on golf’s grandest stages. His major finishes include a tie for 45th at the 2024 Masters and a missed cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla. A toe injury forced him to withdraw from the US Open at Pinehurst.

Rahm Defends His Game Amidst Scrutiny

Rahm experienced a resurgence at The Open, securing a tie for seventh at Royal Troon.

Prior to this week’s tournament, Rahm addressed reporters, asserting that evaluations of his game since his LIV move have been unjust.

He stated, “I believe last year the assessment of my game was unfairly skewed based on my performances here and at the PGA compared to my overall play throughout the year.”

“While I understand the reasoning, I don’t believe it was entirely fair,” Rahm concluded.