Jon Rahm Receives Lucky Ruling After Thinking Golf Ball Was Out Of Bounds
The World No.1 was dealt a huge slice of luck after his tee shot seemingly flew out of bounds


It's safe to say that Jon Rahm hasn't enjoyed his PGA Championship at Oak Hill despite making the weekend, with the Spaniard struggling as he battled the elements throughout at Rochester. On Friday, for example, the 28-year-old had some choice words for the par-3 11th, with Rahm heard on mic saying: "Great hole PGA, great f****** hole."
On Saturday, Rahm continued to struggle in the rain at Oak Hill, with the two-time Major winner striking a microphone following a poor chip shot, before having a go at a cameraman. He then received a huge slice of luck after it was believed that his tee shot had gone out of bounds on the eighth hole.
Jon Rahm hits it outta da park!😱😆#golf #livgolf pic.twitter.com/v4FFKTPtioMay 20, 2023
Producing three bogeys and a birdie through his first seven holes, Rahm came to the par-4 eighth at two-over for the day. After striking his ball well right, it seemed that a double bogey was instantly on the cards.
Walking up the hole, the Spaniard and his caddie stood around the area where the ball had crossed, with the spectators in the area looking on. It was then discovered that Rahm's ball had been found over the boundary fence, resulting in a conversation between him and the rules officials that were on site.
As it turns out, the boundary fence, which was to the left of the road, wasn't actually the out of bounds line. As a result of this, Rahm was able to take free relief under Rule 16.1, due to the fence being a 'Temporary Immovable Obstruction,' and the fact that it was affecting his swing.
Rahm had been looking for his third Major title at the PGA Championship
Determining the nearest point of relief, Rahm was able to take a drop but, as was seen on the broadcast, he was able to place the ball. The reason, we believe, is due to the fact that his golf ball didn't come to rest inside two club lengths twice, therefore he was able to place it.
Following the debacle, Rahm was able to get back onto the fairway, with the end result being a bogey. At the next, he made yet another bogey to round his front nine off at four-over-par. The World No.1 then made a third-straight bogey on the 10th to fall even further back.
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.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. His favorite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°
Irons: TaylorMade P.7CB
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
-
How Many Of These Boxes Do You Tick Before Hitting The Golf Ball? (Any Less Than 4 Could Be Costly)
If these four crucial steps aren't a consistent part of your pre-shot routine, you will be costing yourself shots and valuable progress towards a lower handicap
By Barry Plummer
-
Blades Brown Has Just Given Up His CJ Cup Byron Nelson Sponsor's Invite... And For A Good Reason
The 17-year-old is officially listed in this week's Talum Championship field on the Korn Ferry Tour in order to focus on earning his status on the PGA Tour feeder circuit
By Elliott Heath
-
Jon Rahm's Legion XIII Signs Landmark LIV Equipment Deal With Callaway
Callaway is the first manufacturer to sign up with a LIV Golf team after partnering with Jon Rahm and his Legion XIII side
By Paul Higham
-
Olazabal Explains Why LIV Golf Move Could Cost Jon Rahm 'The Opportunity To Make History'
Jose Maria Olazabal has questioned Jon Rahm's move to LIV Golf as he feels it could cost him the chance to win more Majors
By Paul Higham
-
10 Big Name Golfers To Win The Mexico Open
The Mexico Open is a relative newcomer to the PGA Tour schedule, but the tournament dates back to the 1940s and has been won by some huge names...
By Elliott Heath
-
‘But Then, What Is A Divot?’ - Jon Rahm Weighs In On The Most Controversial Rule In Golf
Featuring on the Rick Shiels YouTube channel, the LIV Golf League Individual champion spoke about one of the hot topics in golf, relief from fairway divots
By Matt Cradock
-
Jon Rahm Just Dropped Out Of The World's Top 50... Here's Where He Sits In Golf's Other Ranking Systems
Rahm had been in the world's top 50 since early 2017 and ranked No.1 this time two years ago
By Elliott Heath
-
Despite Continuing His Impressive LIV Golf Record Jon Rahm Is Set To Fall Outside The World's Top 50 For The First Time In Eight Years
Although Rahm continued his incredible top 10 streak on the LIV Golf League, the two-time Major winner is set to fall outside the top 50 of the OWGR for the first time since 2017
By Matt Cradock
-
Scottie Scheffler Made Over $100M In 2024 - And He Still Wasn't Golf's Highest Earner...
The American won nine times last year but failed to top golf's list of highest earners and was just outside the top-10 in terms of all sport stars
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'A Less Threatening Image' - Rahm Backs New CEO To Have Positive Impact On LIV Future
Jon Rahm feels a change of LIV Golf CEO may help smooth over any talks about the future as there was "a little too much bad blood" between Greg Norman and the PGA Tour
By Paul Higham