The 2025 Ryder Cup will long be remembered for its volatile and chaotic atmosphere. But two weeks later, the heightened emotions of the Battle of Bethpage Black have not yet fully worn off among the members of the victorious European team. The proof? Jon Rahm.
Playing his first tournament since helping win the Ryder Cup, Rahm had a testy exchange with a tournament marshal during his opening round at the Open de España.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Open de Espana, a DP World Tour event, is important for Rahm, one of the greatest Spanish golfers ever. It’s even more memorable considering Rahm’s heroics during the recent Ryder Cup victory in Europe.
Therefore, it is understandable that the two-time national champion became frustrated when his play fell short in the opening round.
On hole eight the frustration seemed to boil over. Rahm was not happy when he arrived and found his ride in a bad spot in the rough area.
The Associated press reported that Rahm first exclaimed, “What a day, what a day,” along with an added expletive.
Then the marshal intervened.
After flagging Rahm’s ball, the marshal tried to calm the star pro by telling him, “It’s OK.”
But Rahm wasn’t happy with that comment. According to the AP In the report, Rahm turned to the marshal and responded curtly, “Don’t tell me it’s okay, please. Thank you,” later muttering, “It’s not okay.”
Rahm’s fiery attitude on the course is well known at this point. In a recent video with GOLF’s Dylan Dethier, performed alongside fellow LIV pro Tyrrell Hatton, Rahm explained that despite the negativity coming out of his mouth on course, there are only positive thoughts in his head.
“I’m irrationally positive in my mind,” Rahm said. “Never lose hope and always hope for the best on the next shot in any situation – even though my mouth may say different things, I firmly believe in it. The number of times I say in Spanish, ‘If you’re going to play like that, go home, what are you doing, wasting your time’, internally I really know I’m just trying to cheer myself up, yeah, because I know, okay, you can do this.”
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In the video, Rahm also admitted that when he plays with another fiery competitor like Hatton, he can become even more intense.
“To be honest, when I play with someone who maybe gets a little more excited on the court – not just Tyrrell, but anyone – I laugh because I see myself in it.”
Hatton added, “I never understand why he swears in English. He could probably get away with it if he only cursed in Spanish.”
Ultimately, Rahm signed for a one-over 72 in Round 1 in Spain. But in Round 2 he hit an early streak, making three birdies over his first seven holes and moving to two under for the tournament, six shots off the lead.
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