The inaugural day of the LIV Golf Miami tournament was enlivened by a fervent display from Jon Rahm, a renowned Spanish golfer competing in the event from April 5 to 7, 2024, at the esteemed Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, offering a substantial purse of $25 million.
Rahm, widely regarded as a top contender for the championship, encountered a candid moment captured by a hot microphone subsequent to executing an almost flawless shot that tantalizingly approached the hole, only to agonizingly spin a mere inches away from its mark. His exasperated exclamation, “How is that spinning?…..F#$k!!!” was inadvertently broadcast live.
Notwithstanding the setback, Rahm commenced the tournament with exceptional play, attaining a birdie on the second hole, followed by an additional birdie on the fifth, and culminating in an eagle on the eighth. A brief disruption occurred with a double bogey on the 10th hole, yet he expeditiously rebounded with another birdie on the 12th, albeit encountering an additional bogey on the 15th. Nevertheless, he concluded the round admirably with a birdie on the 16th.
Rahm’s formidable performance enabled him to conclude the first round with an impressive score of 3-under 69, securing a joint eighth position alongside prominent players such as Brooks Koepka, Brendan Steele, Patrick Reed, Mito Pereira, and Caleb Surratt.
Following the conclusion of the initial day of the LIV Golf Miami event, the leaderboard was spearheaded by Peter Uihlein, Talor Gooch, and Sergio Garcia. In parallel, Dean Burmester, Matt Wolff, Bubba Watson, and Scott Vincent were all tied for fourth place with a score of -4.
Subsequent to the culmination of the LIV Golf Miami tournament, Jon Rahm is scheduled to defend his title at the impending Masters, slated from April 11 to 14 at the esteemed Augusta National Golf Club. Rahm notably emerged victorious at last year’s Masters, triumphing by four strokes and becoming the fourth Spaniard to claim the esteemed green jacket.
Rahm’s triumph was particularly distinguished as he surmounted an initial double bogey in the first round to orchestrate a remarkable resurgence, distinguishing him as the first champion since Sam Snead in 1952 to achieve such a feat. With an impressive record at Augusta National, encompassing five top-10 finishes in the last six years, Rahm undoubtedly commands a significant presence at the Masters.
Presently occupying the prestigious world number 3 ranking, Rahm boasts an illustrious professional career since his inception in 2016, securing two Major victories, including the 2021 US Open, as well as amassing a total of 20 triumphs across the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
As Rahm currently trails the opening-round leaders by two shots at the LIV Golf Miami, enthusiasts of the sport eagerly anticipate the compelling second round, poised to commence with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. ET.