The 2024 season has not been as kind to Jon Rahm. And problems for him are stacking up as the year progresses. Initially, the two-time major champion made the controversial decision to join the breakaway league for a significant payout. Since making the switch to LIV, Rahm’s performance has noticeably declined. The 2023 Masters champion could only manage a T45 finish at Augusta National by scoring 73-76-72-76 over the four days.

Things got worse when Rahm missed the cut at Valhalla, failing to post a competitive score as he shot 70-72. The two majors this season have been disappointing for the Spaniard, and with the third major approaching, his challenges have only intensified. His struggles continued when he injured his foot during the first round of LIV Golf Houston.

Is John Rahm playing in the U.S. Open amidst his foot issue?

On Friday, cameras captured him wincing in pain after he drove the ball at par-3, 163 yards on the seventh hole. At that time, everyone believed it to be a foot injury, as the Spaniard was limping on the greens. But then, Spaniard Rahm withdrew from LIV Golf’s Houston event during the second round on Saturday stating it to be a foot infection, as reported by LIV Golf. Moreover, his infection cast doubt on his participation in next week’s US Open.

Since it is just a foot infection, and the fact that he is taking time off to recover can mean that he would probably not withdraw from the upcoming major at Pinehurst No. 2. Rahm is set to address the media in a pre-tournament news conference at 10:30 a.m. ET (1430 GMT) on Tuesday, ahead of the U.S. Open scheduled for June 13 to June 16 at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. 

Last year, Rahm finished in the top 10 at three majors, including a victory at Augusta National. After claiming his first major at the 2021 U.S. Open and finishing joint 10th last year, he emerged as a top pick for those competitive events. But his recent performances in the majors have been disappointing. But his performance in the Saudi-backed league tells a different story.

Rahm’s performance so far since joining LIV Golf

The Spaniard made his debut on the LIV Golf circuit at Mayakoba, and since then, he has been consistent. Kicking off his journey with a T-3 finish at Mayakoba, Rahm managed a spot in the top 10 in every subsequent event. He narrowly missed his first victory with another T-3 finish at LIV Adelaide. Rahm’s team, Legion XIII, has already won two events so far: the debut event in Mayakoba and then in Miami.

Although he has not emerged victorious so far, Rahm currently holds the second position in the 2024 LIV Golf standings, trailing only Joaquin Niemann. His game seems to be thriving on the PIF-funded circuit; in terms of birdies scored, he is sitting in the top position in 2024. Rahm was ranked third in OWGR when he joined LIV, and now, months after his switch, his rank has slipped to 7th, as the Saudi-backed league is not given any OWGR points. 

As things stand, we can only wait for an update on his medical condition for further clarity. Do you think Jon Rahm will play in the 2024 U.S. Open? Tell us in the comments section below.