Jon Rahm blasted for “biggest choke of the year”

For most of Sunday, it looked like Jon Rahm would win gold for Spain in the men’s Olympic golf competition.

Instead, he left with nothing.

The two-time major champion led by four with nine holes to play at Le Golf National in Paris but came home in 39 to card a 70 and finish outside of the medals – two shots behind Hideki Matsuyama, who claimed bronze, and four behind gold medallist Scottie Scheffler.

Afterwards, Rahm admitted it had been a back nine to forget.

“I not only feel like I let myself down but to just not get it done for the whole country of Spain, it’s a lot more painful than I would like it to be,” he said.

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“I’ve been very honoured to represent Spain in many, many different events, and to not get this one done stings quite a bit.”

It was an uncharacteristic collapse from Rahm, particularly considering he came into the event in good form after winning the LIV UK event at JCB Golf & Country Club just a week ago.

Appearing on Golf Channel’s ‘Golf Central’ coverage shortly after play concluded, PGA Tour winner turned analyst Brandel Chamblee pulled no punches in assessing Rahm’s performance.

“That was just about the wildest back nine that you could ever imagine, ever predict,” he . “Jon Rahm with a four-shot lead in the gold position, Scottie Scheffler six back, making the turn from the gold position, and wins gold, without a playoff.

“One shoots 29, John Rahm shoots 39.

“I’m gonna put that down as one of the biggest chokes of the year. Probably right up there with Rory McIlroy coming down the stretch at the US Open.”

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Ouch!

Chamblee went on to explain where he thought Rahm came undone.

“He looked so solid the first three-and-a-half rounds, leading the field in fairways hit, leading the field in driving distance, leading the field in greens in regulation,” he explained.

“But the demon that has plagued him over the last year is that double-cross. We saw it a little bit at the eighth, but it visited him notably on the back nine in several key instances.

“And then of course, you have the odd three-putt here or there. So, losing a four-shot lead, not even medaling, by the way, with a four-shot lead.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor