FILE PHOTO: Feb 17, 2022; Pacific Palisades, California, USA; John Rahm hits from the tenth tee during the first round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 4, 2022
World No. 1 Jon Rahm opened the Arnold Palmer Invitational Thursday at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Fla., with an even-par 72. The Spaniard’s four birdies were neutralized by four bogeys — but nothing was embarrassing as what he did at the par-3 seventh hole.
After leaving a birdie putt from the fringe 10 inches from the cup for par, Rahm gave the ball a weak tap and left it several inches short, leading to an avoidable bogey.
The PGA Tour confirmed it was the shortest missed putt this season.
“I wish I could give you all the excuses in the world,” Rahm said after his round, “but no, it’s as simple as — you know, it just didn’t feel good in my hands, and I tried to stop, and I didn’t. I just simply didn’t stop. I don’t know. It was very odd.”
It was Rahm’s third bogey in seven holes, but he went on to play the back nine in 2 under par to get back to even.
“It’s not like it affected my play the rest of the day, because I played really good,” Rahm said. “But sitting at 1-under I feel like would feel a lot better than even par. It just sucks to give that one away.”
Rahm, who is making his tournament debut, is tied for 51st after one round.
–Field Level Media
Source: One America News Network
