At the recent PGA Championship, two-time major winner Jon Rahm made headlines—not for a birdie or a spectacular shot—but after an errant tee shot struck a spectator. What followed showcased the Spaniard’s character and sportsmanship in a tense moment.
The Incident
On the 11th hole at Quail Hollow, Rahm’s iron shot sailed wide of the fairway, hitting a fan in the head. The ball bounced off and rolled across the green. Fortunately, the spectator appeared unharmed and was even seen smiling in live broadcast footage, despite the unexpected blow.
Rahm’s Reaction: Class and Accountability
Rather than ignore the incident, Rahm immediately approached the fan. He shook his hand, offered an apology, and gifted a signed glove. He even gave the fan a light hug, checking to make sure he was alright. Viewers watching praised Rahm’s handling of the moment, with one fan remarking, “That’s how you own a mistake.”
Keeping His Focus
Despite the disruption, Rahm maintained composure. He went on to birdie the 14th hole and eagle the 15th, turning his round into a solid finish. Speaking to reporters later, Rahm admitted the moment was “jarring,” but said he was relieved the fan was okay and proud of how he bounced back.
A Pattern of Emotion, But Also Integrity
This isn’t the first time Rahm has shown visible emotion on the course. At The Open Championship, he had a tense exchange with a fan who whistled during his backswing on the 10th tee. Rahm paused, glared, and muttered under his breath, clearly annoyed. But afterward, he chalked it up to frustration and apologized, saying, “I let the emotion get the better of me for a second.”
These moments, while human, also show Rahm’s commitment to the game and his awareness of his role in the spotlight—especially since joining LIV Golf, where player conduct is constantly under scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
In a moment that could have gone viral for all the wrong reasons, Jon Rahm showed why he remains one of the most respected names in golf. His actions following the wild tee shot proved that character matters just as much as performance. And in this case, Rahm delivered both.
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