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Rahm was playing in his first Masters as a member of LIV Golf and his expectations were met, on every front.
Jon Rahm entered the grounds at Augusta National this past week as the reigning champion. He then hosted the annual Masters Champion Dinner, with an epic menu that was well received.
But in the back of his mind, he was aware that there might be moments of awkwardness during his return.
That is, of course, because Rahm left the PGA Tour behind for LIV Golf and at least $400 million.
As the Spaniard scuttled his way around Augusta, Rahm detailed his perceptions, per Spanish outlet El Mundo.
“Yes, I have noticed hostile attitudes, but I expected it, my friends have continued to be my friends, but some with whom I had a very cordial relationship have not even looked at my face,” Rahm said.
#MIXED REACTION — Jon Rahm says some of his old friends on the PGA Tour didn’t receive him with open arms at The Masters: “Some did. I expected it. And then, there was someone else who I expected to be a little tougher… and one of them hugged me. I think that, among all… pic.twitter.com/lW07lMKoSt
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 14, 2024
“These are things that happen, if someone changes their opinion of me, it is more their problem than mine. I am not worried. I knew it was going to happen. I didn’t know who.”
The two-time major champion did not drop names. But there are certainly some we can probably rule out, like his Ryder Cup teammates. He and Rory McIlroy were seen getting along as the tournament progressed.
That did not help his play, however. Rahm finished tied for 45th at 9-over par.
Despite the mixed reaction from his former competitors on the PGA Tour, Rahm lay the blame for his poor play solely at his own feet.
Sadly, the next time most golf fans will get to see Rahm tee it up will be at the PGA Championship next month.
The framework agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV does not appear to be making any substantial progress. So the division within the sport remains, leaving fans as the biggest losers.
Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social media platforms.
