Jon Rahm gives verdict on golf’s most controversial rule

It’s probably the most spoken about rule in our game that divides opinion across amateurs and at very the elite professional level.

Why can’t we get relief from fairway divots?

There are those in the camp that feel it is simply nonsensical that you can be punished when your ball lands in an unrepaired divot when your ball finds the fairways.

Others cry ‘tough luck’ and will tell you to play it as it lies.

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So what do the best players think? Jon Rahm was asked to weigh in on the matter during an appearance on Rick Shiels’ YouTube channel, admitting he goes ‘back and forth’ on the debate.

Rahm says you would be unlucky to find a fairway divot once a season at professional tournaments, but is still conflicted on the ruling.

“I think you should (get relief), because it’s the definition of ground under repair,” he began. “But then, what is a divot? Can you call any possible imperfection a divot when it’s on the fairway, and get relief?”

Rahm then referenced Paul Casey’s horrible break at the 2022 Players Championship, when the Englishman’s ball was somehow embedded in a pitch mark from a previous drive.

“It’s a tricky one, especially around the greens,” Rahm continued. “I feel a lot of people take advantage of that. The one I do feel strongly on, though, is a pitchmark. That’s a little bit borderline. If you hit the fairway you shouldn’t be penalised.”

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Rahm views the argument as nuanced and can see both sides.

Bryson DeChambeau, meanwhile, believes amateurs should enjoy the luxury of free relief from the divots, while insisting the top level pros are good enough to suck it up.

“I think we can swallow it because we’re professionals,” the US Open champion said when asked about a rule change he’d make at the International Series event in India.

“We’re supposed to be good, right, we’re supposed to prepare for anything. But on the amateur level, I think they may be a lot more dangerous. The fairway – let them enjoy it.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.