Jon Rahm torn apart and branded a ‘competitive irrelevance’ in brutal LIV Golf putdown

Jon Rahm Faces Criticism Over Recent Performances

Jon Rahm has been subjected to harsh criticism for his performances this year, with commentator Eamon Lynch describing him as a “competitive irrelevance” in major championships since joining LIV Golf. Lynch’s comments come as Rahm prepares for The Open at Royal Troon, where he aims to reverse his recent struggles.

Rahm’s form has been lackluster since his highly-publicized £450 million move to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf tour at the end of 2023. His defense of the Masters title and performance at the PGA Championship fell short of expectations, failing to keep pace with the leaders. Compounding his woes, Rahm had to withdraw from the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 due to a foot injury, adding to his disappointing record in this year’s majors.

In a blunt critique on Golf Channel, Lynch accused Rahm of becoming irrelevant in major tournaments. He suggested that Rahm’s poor form could be linked to his decision to join LIV Golf, noting that the 29-year-old’s decline in performance coincided with his move to the new tour.

“To me, the biggest story is Jon Rahm,” Lynch said in the lead-up to The Open. “I know he withdrew from Pinehurst with a foot injury earlier that week, but he’s been a competitive irrelevance in the major championships so far this year. A guy who won The Masters and contended in two other major championships last year was a significant presence in every major. The game just hasn’t been there. Perhaps it’s a coincidence that this slump occurred after he joined LIV Golf. Everyone has off years, and maybe this is just his.”

Rahm, who finished tied for second in The Open last year, has defended himself against the criticism. He believes the media has played a role in creating a negative perception of his performance in this year’s major championships.

“I’m in a happy place. It’s not like I’ve been playing badly, even though many of you (journalists) make it sound like I’m playing poorly. I had two bad weeks,” said Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, last month. “I’ve been in the top 10 and had a chance to win in most of the tournaments I’ve played. Unfortunately, Augusta and the PGA weren’t my best showings, but yeah, I’m happy.”

Rahm now faces the challenge of proving his critics wrong and rediscovering his form at The Open.