How Many Millions did Jon Rahm’s PGA Championship Meltdown Cost?

Jon Rahm had faced plenty of criticism for underwhelming performances in major championships since joining LIV Golf, but on Sunday at the PGA Championship, he found himself back in contention.

Rahm even pulled into a tie for the lead with eventual winner Scottie Scheffler after draining a clutch birdie putt on the 11th hole. But that momentum didn’t last long. The two-time major champion faltered down the stretch and ultimately finished in a tie for eighth place, seven shots behind Scheffler.

The late collapse didn’t just cost Rahm a shot at the Wanamaker Trophy—it cost him millions. Had he secured the win, Rahm would have earned the $3.42 million payday that went to Scheffler. Instead, by tying for eighth at 4-under par alongside nine other players, he walked away with just $454,781—a difference of nearly $3 million.

Things unraveled after his birdie on 11. As Scheffler surged ahead, Rahm struggled to keep pace. He lipped out a birdie try on the 13th, then failed to capitalize on the gettable 14th and 15th holes.

From there, Quail Hollow’s infamous “Green Mile” stretch crushed any hopes of a comeback. A wayward drive on the 16th led to a bogey, and on the par-3 17th, Rahm’s tee shot sailed over the green and into the water, resulting in a double bogey. Another double followed on the 18th after he found the creek with his tee shot, sealing a brutal 5-over finish over the final three holes.

While Rahm is more than financially secure thanks to his LIV Golf deal, a stronger showing in a major would have meant much more. Instead, his Sunday charge will be remembered as a missed opportunity—overshadowed by yet another dominant performance from Scottie Scheffler.

With the U.S. Open on the horizon, Rahm will no doubt look to bounce back with a vengeance.