Days After Gary Player’s Controversial Comments, Jon Rahm Supports the Golf Legend With an Unwavering Mindset

The Masters is widely considered the most prominent Major of the year. Though many would agree with the statement, Gary Player received immense criticism for downgrading the Masters below The Open Championship. While the Hall of Famer was heavily scrutinized for his thoughts, he may have the approval of the latest Green Jacket winner, Jon Rahm.

Following his second Major win at Augusta National earlier this month, Rahm has been making an appearance in several podcasts. During the latest episode of the Fore Play Podcast, the Spaniard joined the men of Barstool Sports to talk about his memorable Masters triumph. Nonetheless, Rahmbo soon shared a controversial take that can raise the eyebrows across the golf world.

Masters or The Open? Which one would Jon Rahm prefer?

Along with the history and traditions of Masters, The Open Championship is also one of the oldest tournaments held in the world of sports. Since it’s held in the United Kingdom, many Europeans wish to win The Open over a Green Jacket in Augusta National. While it is unclear if all European golfers have the same thought, the 2023 Masters winner does believe in this saying.

During an episode of the Fore Play Podcast, Jon Rahm said, “I think for a lot of Europeans growing up The Open Championship has some much more is it’s a much bigger magnitude than it is here in the US obviously in Europe”. However, he didn’t disregard his Green Jacket win as he said, “Every great Spaniard before me has won the Masters”.

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Knowing his comments may offend some golf fans, Rahm stated that he doesn’t ‘want to insult anyone’ with his words. He further elaborated why he prefers The Open over Masters by saying, “If you can win an Open Championship in St. Andrews, very few things in golf can compare to that”.

The 2023 Green Jacket winner gave Augusta National its flowers for its tradition and history. But since the Masters has had the same venue for the past 89 years, meanwhile The Open has a different venue each year, it’s difficult for the golfers to win it. Moreover, Rahmbo even pointed out the famous ovation at the 18th hole of the British Open.

It is a common tradition at the British Major for the leader to receive a standing ovation from the crowd. Jon Rahm ended by reiterating that the Open Championship is just as big as the Masters for him. “It’s out there with the Open for me”, said the Spaniard while referring to the first Major of the season. How well did the golf world take the 2023 Green Jacket Winner’s comment is still unclear.

However, fans weren’t happy when 9-time Major winner Gary Player too shared the same thoughts. But how relatable were his comments to the Rahmbo?

Do Player and Rahm have similar thoughts about the Masters?

The legendary South African golfer is among the few golfers who have completed a Grand Slam. Gary Player has won the Green Jacket thrice during his illustrious career. However, ahead of the 2023 Masters, the Hall of Famer shared a bold thought about the first Major of the season.

While ranking the most demanding Majors of the season, Player ranked The Open Championship as the most prominent Major. However, he then ranked the Masters as the least demanding Major. Though Jon Rahm claimed to have more preference for the British Open, he didn’t downgrade the Masters to the 4th most prominent Major.

Regardless, of what the golfers have to say, they have every right to share their thoughts. Moreover, whether it’s the Green Jacket or the Claret Jug, Gary Player has three of each. While Jon Rahm is still pursuing his maiden Open Championship, until then, he can regard his 2023 Masters win as the biggest.

What are your thoughts on Jon Rahm’s comments? Let us know in the comment section below.

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