Just two days away from the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, the 2022 champion Jon Rahm has ♈decided to withdraw from the third major of the season. He posted on his X account Tuesday afternoon that he made the decision after consulting with numerous doctors.
He was at Pinehurst this week but had been walking around the grounds with a golf shoe on one foot and a . The two-time major champion said that his foot injury was due to an infection. Rahm received an injection in his foot prior to Saturday’s round at the LIV Houston event to numb the pain, but apparently the shot wore off pretty quickly.
It was supposed to last the whole round, and by my second hole I was in pain already. The infection was the worrisome part. The infection is now controlled, but there’s still swelling and there’s still pain.
Jon Rahm
Rahm currently ranks 8th in the world and had the ninth-best odds to take home his second U.S. Open at +2500 prior to withdrawing. In his first year with the LIV Tour, he has yet to win an individual tournament but he’s finished inside the Top 10 in each start he’s made this year other than his withdrawal at Houston. His team, Legion XIII, is currently second in the LIV team standings.
The U.S. Open at Pinehurst Goes On Without Jon Rahm
Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina boasts a unique distinction within the golfing world. No other course has hosted all five of the USGA’s prestigious championships: the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, and U.S. Women’s Amateur. But it’s the U.S. Open that truly cemented Pinehurst’s place in golfing history, with a rich narrative built over multiple tournaments.
The first chapter unfolded in 1999. Pinehurst No. 2, known for its penal style and relentless bunkering by golf course architect Donald Ross, took center stage. Payne Stewart, a charismatic player known for his colorful outfits and flamboyant personality, became the star. In a dramatic final round, Stewart sunk a clutch par putt on the 18th green to secure a one-stroke victory over Phil Mickelson. This iconic moment became synonymous with Pinehurst and the U.S. Open’s unforgiving nature.
Six years later, Pinehurst No. 2 returned for the 2005 U.S. Open. This time, it 𝄹was Michael Campbell, a relatively unknown player from New Zealand, who emerged victorious. Campbell held off a field stacked with legends like Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, proving that even on the toughest courses, underdogs can rise to the occasion🤡.
The 2014 U.S. Open marked another milestone. Pinehurst hosted the tournament for the third time, with both the No. 2 and No. 4 courses sharing the spotlight – a first for the U.S. Open. The iconic Putter Boy statue, a long-time symbol of Pinehurst, became the logo for the tournament, further solidifying the resort’s association with the event. Martin Kaymer, a German golfer known for his meticulous approach, triumphed in a tightly contested battle, showcasing the strategic depth Pinehurst offers.
The 2014 U.S. Open also saw the first-ever U.S. Women’s Open held at Pinehurst No. 2. Michelle Wie, a young prodigy who had captured public attention for years, finally secured her first major championship title, defeating a field of talented female golfers. This victory not only highlighted Pinehurst’s growing role in women’s golf but also signified a changing landscape for the sport.
The most recent chapter in the U.S. Open and Pinehurst saga unfolds year this weekend. This historic event marks the fourth time Pinehurst No. 2 hosts the prestigio🗹us tournament, solidifying its position as a true test of golfing excellence. With the winner yet to be crowned at the time of writing, this chapter promises to add another layer to the rich tapestry of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
Beyond the individual victors, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst has established itself as a testament to the enduring legacy of Donald Ross’s design philosophy. Pinehurst No. 2, with its sandy wastelands and strategically placed bunkers, consistently pushes even the best golfers to their limits. The course demands not just power but also precision, shot selection, and a healthy dose of mental fortitude.
The U.S. Open at Pinehurst is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a spectacle. The iconic setting, the drama that unfolds on the course, and the champions crowned have all contributed to its enduring appeal. As the next chapter unfolds, one thing remains certain: Pinehurst No. 2 and the U.S. Open will continue to forge a legacy of unforgettable moments in the history of golf.
