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Defending US Open champion Jon Rahm had an odd moment in the first round of the third major tournament of the year.
Rahm was on the 18th hole on Thursday when his tee shot went left and hit a broadcast tent. He said he saw two children steal his golf ball after the mistaken shot.
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Jon Rahm of Spain watches his shot on the 15th hole during round one of the US Open golf tournament at The Country Club on Thursday June 16, 2022 in Brookline, Mass. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
“I’m pretty sure I know who it was. I recognized the two children running in the opposite direction with a smile on their face. I’m 100% sure I saw the two kids who stole it,” Rahm said via PGATour.com. “I’m really glad someone spotted the ball first.”
Rahm somehow saved a 1-under 69, putting him three strokes behind Day 1 leader Adam Hadwin. He had four birdies and three bogeys as he made his round.
Jon Rahm of Spain reacts on the 15th hole during round one of the US Open golf tournament at the Country Club on Thursday June 16, 2022 in Brookline, Mass. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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“I feel like I’ve played pretty good golf all day. I just saw how many (putts) were close and didn’t go in and hit two wayward drives in the last two holes and somehow ended up with two birdie putts and made last to break par in first round of US Open , is a pretty big deal,” he said.
Jon Rahm of Spain watches his shot on the fourth hole during round one of the US Open golf tournament at The Country Club on Thursday June 16, 2022 in Brookline, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F Bukaty)
A lot of it was a bit of indecision and doubt in my head because we didn’t know exactly where the wind was coming from and we didn’t spend 100% of the time on the shot…but I’m not worried.”
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Rahm begins his second round at 1 p.m. ET.
Ryan Gaydos is a sports editor at Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].