Jon Rahm torn to shreds by analyst ahead of The Open: “Maybe it’s a coincidence…

Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch has cast a critical eye on Jon Rahm’s performance in major championships since joining LIV Golf, suggesting that his recent form has been subpar by his own high standards. As Rahm heads to The Open, Lynch points out that the Spaniard has struggled in major tournaments this year, a stark contrast to his previous successes.

Rahm’s attempt to defend his green jacket at The Masters ended in disappointment, as he failed to make a significant impact. His woes continued with a missed cut at the PGA Championship, and he had to withdraw from the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 due to a foot injury.

“The biggest story for me is Jon Rahm,” Lynch remarked when discussing the upcoming major championship. “Despite his foot injury at Pinehurst, he’s been largely irrelevant in the major tournaments this year. Last year, he won The Masters and was a contender in two other majors. Now, the game just isn’t there. Maybe it’s a coincidence that his slump coincided with his move to LIV Golf.”

Lynch, known for his critical stance on LIV Golf, raised concerns about the implications of Rahm’s move and the overall state of the game. “Rahm, who finished tied for second in The Open last year, is heading into this year’s tournament with a performance that has been lackluster in major championships by his standards,” Lynch added. “To me, that’s the real storyline here.”

Lynch also touched on the broader implications of LIV Golf’s influence on the sport. He acknowledged that a peace deal between the PGA Tour and LIV’s Saudi financiers is crucial for the future of golf, but he also highlighted that LIV players have already made significant impacts in major championships, citing wins by Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

“Jon Rahm’s departure to LIV was expected to have a significant impact, and he even thought so himself, but it hasn’t caused the seismic shift some anticipated,” Lynch said. He warned that the PGA Tour risks becoming like professional tennis, with a focus on just a few major events each year. “While this perception isn’t fully a reality yet, it’s something the PGA Tour needs to be cautious about.”

The 152nd Open will take place from July 18 to 21, and all eyes will be on Rahm as he seeks to turn around his major championship fortunes.

**Jon Rahm’s 2024 Results:**
– LIV Mayakoba: T-3
– LIV Las Vegas: 8
– LIV Jeddah: 5
– LIV Hong Kong: 8
– LIV Miami: T-4
– LIV Adelaide: T-3
– LIV Singapore: T-10
– LIV Houston: WD
– LIV Nashville: T-3
– The Masters: T-45
– PGA Championship: MC
– US Open: WD