‘Best Bounce I’ve Seen In Person’ – Jon Rahm On Lucky Break That Led To Eagle
The Spaniard misdirected a shot on the 17th at the Genesis Invitational, but a huge slice of luck left him putting for eagle
If there is one player who hasn't needed good luck so far in 2023 it is World No.3 Jon Rahm. The Spaniard is arguably in the best form of his life, with a sensational run of results that looks likely to continue at the Genesis invitational at Riviera Country Club.
However, at eight under par and two behind the lead on the 17th during the second round, Rahm enjoyed one of the biggest slices of luck you're ever likely to see. His approach shot on the par 5 was hit too far to the right and made a beeline for the grandstand.
No doubt as his ball sailed waywardly beyond the green, Rahm feared the worst. That was before it struck the foot of the grandstand and redirected back towards the pin. Even then, it momentarily looked as though it could roll into the bunker on its way. Thankfully for Rahm, it found the green, settling around three feet from the hole.
INCREÍBLE no alcanza para describir este golpe. 🤯@JonRahmPGA hace águila al hoyo 17 en @TheGenesisInv tras un rebote con MUCHA suerte. pic.twitter.com/xbV2PeghQ8February 18, 2023
Even Rahm couldn't believe it, and was left putting his hand over his face with an embarrassed grin following his huge slice of fortune and an unlikely eagle opportunity, which he duly took to tie the lead with Max Homa.
After his round, Rahm explained it was arguably the biggest slice of luck he'd ever had. He said: ”I just happened to hit it really good, a little too far right. I was just hoping it would bounce off into the bunker and give myself a decent chance of an up-and-down for birdie. Obviously, I got very fortunate to get that bounce not only to go on the green, but to have basically three feet straight up the hill. That's arguably the best bounce I've seen in person my whole golf career and it would be hard to beat in the future."
Rahm can hardly expect similar luck over the final two days. However, even though he unexpectedly bogeyed the last, the leaderboard already has a familiar look to it following a round of 68 that left him one shot behind Homa in second. Whether or not the remaining two rounds offer another helping of good fortune for Rahm, he appears primed to challenge for yet another win come Sunday evening.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
JM Eagle LA Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
There’s a record purse for a regular-season LPGA Tour event at Wilshire Country Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Think I Can Be Helpful’ – Rory McIlroy Opens Up On Potential Return To PGA Tour Policy Board
The four-time Major winner resigned from the board six months ago, but with the game still fractured, he could be about to return
By Mike Hall Published
-
Jon Rahm Pinpoints ‘Key Difference’ That ‘Could Help A Lot Of Fans Trust In LIV'
The Spaniard believes a change of format could improve the perception of LIV Golf
By Andrew Wright Published
-
'We're A Fraternity' - Seve Stories Shared At Jon Rahm's 'Emotional' Masters Champions Dinner
Phil Mickelson was again quiet, Sandy Lyle couldn't make it and the Seve stories flowed as Jon Rahm hosted a successful Champions Dinner ahead of The Masters
By Paul Higham Last updated
-
Jon Rahm Reveals What He Misses About The PGA Tour Ahead Of Masters Defence
Rahm spoke about why he still "loves the PGA Tour", the pressure of LIV Golf events, and his legacy ahead of defending his Masters title this week
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
'I Definitely Wouldn't Mind Going Back To 72 Holes' - Jon Rahm Calls On LIV To Make 'Helpful' Format Change
The current Masters champion suggested that increasing the number of holes in a week on the PIF-backed circuit could help with unification in the men's game
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Jon Rahm Could Lack The 'Right Intensity' To Defend Masters Title After 'Playing Resort Courses In His Shorts' In LIV Golf
Sir Nick Faldo questioned whether Jon Rahm could find the right intensity to defend his Masters title after making the switch to LIV Golf
By Paul Higham Published
-
'We're Coming For That Green Jacket' - Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, And Sergio Garcia Backing LIV Golfer To Win The Masters
There are 13 LIV Golf players set to tee it up at Augusta National Golf Club next week - and it's fair to say that confidence is high among the group
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Jon Rahm Calls On Majors To Consider Invite For 'Left Out' LIV Player
The current Masters champion suggested there was one player in the LIV Golf League that has been "a little bit left out" despite being "fantastic" in 2023
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
PGA Tour Pro Says Jon Rahm ‘Broke An Unwritten Code’ With LIV Golf Defection
A current top-100 PGA Tour player believes Rahm's move to LIV Golf could end up pushing any kind of unity much further down the road
By Jonny Leighfield Published