Jon Rahm produced one of the great opening day performances at the Ryder Cup; producing a slew of remarkable shots as he collected two points for Europe in their 6.5 - 1.5 domination of Team USA.
He hit the opening tee shot for his side during his morning foutsomes game alongside Tyrell Hatton, which they won 4&3, with Rahm producing an early chip-in to set the tone for Europe.
In his afternoon four-ball, he and rookie Nicolai Hojgaard faced the formidable duo of world no.1 Scottie Scheffler and the big stage beast that is Brooks Koepka.
After going one down on the 15th, Rahm drove to the side of the green on the short par 4 16th, before chipping in for a sensational eagle.
USA hit right back, however, and held a 1 up lead going down the last. Rahm did brilliantly to hit the green in two, but was still at least 20 ft away, with the Americans already in for a birdie.
He duly stepped up and drained his second eagle in three holes to tie the match, and spark wild celebration from Shane Lowry.
Jon Rahm Had A Sensational Opening Day At The Ryder Cup
EUROPE!
EUROPE!
EUROPE!
EUROPE!
EUROPE!
EUROPE!pic.twitter.com/mHlkhVq6Ci— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 29, 2023
JON RAHM, WOW! 🤯#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/CqUUwBjtGX
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2023
READ HERE: 'Fiery' Shane Lowry Delighted To Win Point For Europe In Ryder Cup
However, Koepka clearly wasn't pleased with some of the Spaniard's antics during the round, and accused Rahm of acting like a child.
"I think me and Scottie birdied . . 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and then lost by two," said the American
So yeah. I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on.
It is unclear which incident, or incidents, Koepka is referring to, but none the less they come across as a tad salty from a player who is usually on the other side of such performances.
While Rahm is a fiery player and known for slight outbursts, there have never been complaints over his behaviour or suggestions that it may be distracting for his competitors.
SATURDAY UPDATE: After Rahm and Tyrell Hatton defeated Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffle on during Saturday's morning session, Rahm explained provided some context to the Koepka quotes, saying he had indeed hit a board on the 17th hole on Friday, after leaving a putt short. He added that he was 'comfortable' with who he was.
"If Brooks thinks that's childish, it is what it is. He's entitled to think what he thinks...I'm very comfortable with who I am and what I do. I've done much worse than that on the golf course."
Jon Rahm: "I mean — I'm not going to stand here and say I'm the perfect example of what to do on a golf course. I don't think either of the two of us are."
Tyrrell Hatton: [sitting next to him, looking betrayed] "I'm just sitting here! Watching the TV!"— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) September 30, 2023
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