Jon Rahm withdraws from PLAYERS Championship: Golf world reacts

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Jon Rahm of Spain looks on after hitting his shot from the 17th tee during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 09, 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Jon Rahm of Spain looks on after hitting his shot from the 17th tee during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 09, 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After opening THE PLAYERS Championship with a 1-under first round, World No. 1 Jon Rahm withdrew at TPC Sawgrass before Friday’s second round.

It was a final three rounds to forget for Jon Rahm at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, but the No. 1-ranked player in golf was eyeing a bounce-back this week at TPC Sawgrass for the PGA Tour’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship.

He started off well for the week in some difficult conditions that tripped up many players, including a Top 3 player in the world and Rahm’s group member, Rory McIlroy. Rahm shot a 1-under 71 in the first round and seemed to be in striking distance if he were able to get hot.

Sadly, that opportunity won’t be there.

Before his second round on Friday, Jon Rahm withdrew from THE PLAYERS Championship, leaving McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler to play as a twosome in Round 2.

Why did Jon Rahm withdraw at THE PLAYERS Championship?

Per the PGA Tour’s release on Rahm’s withdrawal, the World No. 1 is out at THE PLAYERS Championship due to a stomach illness.

There aren’t any details about what Rahm is dealing with and for how long it’s been going on. It’s unlikely he’d be in the field for next week’s Valspar Championship but his health and status will be worth monitoring for two weeks from now at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and four weeks from now at The Masters.

Jon Rahm withdraws at THE PLAYERS Championship: Golf world reacts

Whenever the top-ranked player in the world WD’s from one of the biggest tournaments of the year, the golf world is definitely going to have something to say.

Not included in these reactions are the countless people immediately asking sportsbooks for refunds on Rahm. You know, because any bad break deserves a refund, obviously.

Alas, we hope that Rahm recovers quickly from this illness and will be back in top form sooner rather than later. It is a shame we won’t get to see him on the weekend at TPC Sawgrass for reasons that have nothing to do with his play.

Next. Best golfer from every U.S. state. dark

For more from The PGA Tour, LIV Golf and more, make sure to follow FanSided and stay tuned to our golf hub for all the latest news and results.