Jon Rahm praises Bryson DeChambeau for LIV Golf effect after his own withdrawal

Jon Rahm has hailed Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open victory as great for LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed circuit that enjoyed further major success last week.

Rahm was forced to sit out from Pinehurst No. 2 after withdrawing from the preceding week’s LIV Golf Houston due to health issues. Meanwhile, fellow LIV Golf star DeChambeau delivered a stunning final hole performance to edge past Rory McIlroy and secure his second U.S. Open title.

Rahm had to pull out of LIV Golf Houston – his first competitive appearance since the PGA Championship – the previous week due to severe pain in his left foot. He had an infection between two toes which, despite being treated with antibiotic cream, led the double major champion to decide to rest and withdraw from the U.S. Open.

While he is expected to make a comeback this week, Rahm lauded DeChambeau’s impressive win over McIlroy in his absence. On Wednesday, Rahm suggested that DeChambeau’s triumph was a positive development for LIV Golf, describing the Crushers GC captain’s bunker shot on the 18th that set up his winning putt as one of the ‘top three’ up-and-downs to ever win a major.

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He said: “I think it’s great for all of us and great for LIV Golf to see him do that.” Rahm, who won the U.S. Open in 2021, spent the week watching the action at Pinehurst No. 2 with his foot bandaged.

The Spaniard added: “It was quite a show from the comfort of my home. It’s a very enjoyable tournament to watch. I haven’t gotten the chance to enjoy a major from start to finish like that, and to get to see a lot of golf was really fun and to see how everything unfolded.”

After a 10-day hiatus due to a foot infection, Legion XIII’s captain confirmed his return this week at LIV Golf Nashville. Rahm is optimistic about his performance when he tees off at The Grove.

“I feel ready to walk and hit it,” said Rahm, who currently ranks second in the Individual standings. “I haven’t been able to do much. It doesn’t take much for me to feel ready to compete. Looking forward to it. Just happy that I’m here.”

Although the injury hasn’t fully healed, Rahm, who secured top-10 finishes in his first seven LIV Golf starts before withdrawing, has been given the green light to play without causing further damage to his foot: “I’m feeling good. The main reason for the withdrawal in the two events was the infection I had and just to be cautionary towards not making it worse and seeing what steps I can take to prevent that from happening in the future.”

“The wound is still there. I’m not going to show any graphic pictures, but it’s still there.”

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.