Brandel Chamblee did not hold back on Jon Rahm’s final nine holes at the Olympics

I’M GOING TO PUT THAT DOWN AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST COLLAPSES, CHOKES OF THE YEAR. RIGHT UP THERE WITH RORY MCILROY AT THE U.S. OPEN.

In the lead-up to the closing stretch, Rahm had been in strong contention for a medal, demonstrating the skill and poise that have made him one of the top players in the world. However, the final nine holes saw a dramatic shift in his performance. Rahm struggled with his accuracy off the tee, and his approach shots lacked the precision needed to maintain his position on the leaderboard. Additionally, his putting, usually a reliable aspect of his game, let him down during crucial moments.

Chamblee, known for his in-depth analysis and sometimes biting commentary, did not hold back in his assessment. On a recent broadcast, he dissected Rahm’s performance, highlighting what he saw as critical mistakes and lapses in concentration. “Jon Rahm is a player of immense talent, but what we saw today was a complete unraveling,” Chamblee stated. “He made errors that you wouldn’t expect from a player of his caliber, particularly under the immense pressure of an Olympic final.”

Chamblee pointed out specific instances where Rahm’s decision-making came into question. On the 14th hole, Rahm opted for an aggressive approach shot that landed in a greenside bunker, resulting in a bogey. “That was a moment where he needed to play smart, keep himself in contention, and instead, he gambled and paid the price,” Chamblee said.

Furthermore, Chamblee criticized Rahm’s putting, which saw him miss several makeable putts that could have kept his medal hopes alive. “These are putts that Rahm makes nine times out of ten. It’s clear that the pressure got to him, and he couldn’t handle it in those crucial moments,” Chamblee remarked.

Despite the harsh critique, Chamblee did acknowledge Rahm’s overall talent and contributions to the sport. “Jon Rahm is a phenomenal golfer, and there’s no doubt about his abilities. But today was a lesson in how even the best can falter under pressure,” he concluded.

Rahm’s performance and Chamblee’s comments have sparked significant discussion among golf fans and analysts alike. Some agree with Chamblee’s assessment, while others believe that the pressure of the Olympic stage and the unique challenges it presents should be taken into consideration.

As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympics, Rahm will undoubtedly reflect on his performance and use it as a learning experience. While the final nine holes did not go as planned, his career continues to shine brightly, and he remains one of the sport’s leading figures.