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Former US Open Champion Withdraws From Major After Exiting LIV With Injury

June 12, 2024


Jon Rahm, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, has withdrawn from this year’s event.

Rahm is dealing with an infection in his left foot, and unfortunately won’t be able to play in this year’s tournament. He made the announcement on Tuesday on his X page:

“After consulting with numerous doctors and my team, I have decided it is best for my long term health, to withdraw from this weeks US Open Championship. To say I’m disappointed is a massive understatement! I wish all my peers the best of luck and want to thank all of the USGA staff, volunteers and community of Pinehurst for hosting and putting on what I’m sure will be an amazing championship! Hopefully I’ll be back in action sooner than later!”

Rahm is a two-time Major champion, most recently winning the 2023 Masters. He was playing in a LIV Golf tournament last week when his injury appeared to flare up. He was forced to withdraw from the event, and will now miss the U.S. Open in an unfortunate turn of events.

The 29-year-old has emerged as one of the world’s best golfers. He’s currently ranked as the No. 8 golfer in the world, per Official World Golf Ranking, but won’t get the opportunity to compete for his third major title.

Jon Rahm
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 09: Jon Rahm of Spain shakes hands with Brooks Koepka of the United States on the 18th green after he won the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on…


Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Rahm’s first Major win came at the U.S. Open in 2021 when he shot a 6-under at Torrey Pines to beat out Louis Oosthuizen, who shot a 5-under. Then, two years later at Augusta National, Rahm dominated the field, shooting a 12-under to beat second-place finishers Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka by four strokes to win his first Masters.

The Spaniard will now allow his injury to heal, which he described as a lesion between his pinky toe and fourth toe that became infected. It was clearly affecting him on the course, as shown in this video from last week’s LIV event:

When is the 2024 U.S. Open?

The 2024 U.S. Open tees off on Thursday, June 13, and goes through Sunday, June 16. It is the 124th U.S. Open and will be played at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina on Course No. 2.

Scottie Scheffler, coming off a win at April’s Masters Tournament, is the heavy favorite to win entering the event. Rahm had the ninth-best odds to win before dropping out.

Xander Schaffele, who won the PGA Championship in March, has the second-best odds to win. Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Bryson DeChambeau round out the top five.