Jon Rahm claims former PGA Tour teammate ‘didn’t even look at him’ on his return to The Masters after LIV defection… as 2023 champion opens up on frosty reception at Augusta National
- Rahm says the people he was cordial with didn’t look him in the eye at Augusta
- But he says it was expected after he switched to LIV Golf this winter
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Jon Rahm has seemingly made some enemies on the field at The Masters this past week.
The 2023 champion defected to LIV Golf over the winter and played at Augusta National for the first time since then this week.
He received a mixed reception from his former colleagues, including at least one who did not even acknowledge him.
When asked if he received a warm welcome, Rahm told Golf Channel Latin America, “Some did. I expected it.
“And then there was someone else who I expected to be a little tougher… and one of them hugged me.
Jon Rahm says some people he was cordial with on the PGA Tour weren’t watching him at Augusta
Rahm (L), the reigning champion, said the reception was expected after he joined LIV Golf
Rahm struggled on the course, finishing at nine over par all week
“I think out of all the relationships I’ve had, it’s been everything I expected. My friends are still my friends.
‘And then someone, with whom I was very cordial and had a positive relationship, didn’t even look at me.
“If someone changes their opinion of me, that’s more their problem than mine. I’m not worried.
‘I knew it was going to happen. I didn’t know who.’
In addition to the somewhat icy reception, Rahm struggled with the course, posting a score of nine over par for the tournament and finishing tied for 45th, his worst finish ever at Augusta National.
After shooting a one-over in the first round, he struggled with the wind on the second day and just made the cut at five over par. An even par third round was followed on Sunday by another round of four over par, to finish at nine over par.