Jon Rahm withdraws from LIV Golf event with injury leaving US Open plans in doubt

Jon Rahm has had to pull out from the LIV Golf Houston due to an injury, casting a shadow over his participation in the US Open next week.

During the first round at Houston on Friday, Rahm experienced an injury scare while hitting his approach shot on the seventh hole. He started limping and was clearly in severe pain, having just had his foot examined before teeing off. As per the LIV Golf broadcast, Rahm has sustained a cut between his toes that is causing significant discomfort when taking shots. However, if the reports are accurate, a cut provides Rahm with a better chance of being ready for the US Open than a muscular injury would.

Rahm will be keen not to miss the third major of the 2024 season, and the Spaniard is among the favourites to clinch the competition. Even if he does participate in the event, the lingering effects of his injury could affect his performance.

Rahm secured his first major career win at the US Open back in 2021, followed by a victory at the Masters in 2023. Rahm tied for 10th place at last year's tournament, but his performance in 2024 hasn't been up to par since signing for LIV Golf and leaving the PGA Tour, reports the Mirror.

The 29-year-old tied for 45th place in the Masters earlier this year and didn't even make the cut at the PGA Championship. Since signing for the Saudi-backed breakaway league, Rahm has played less, and so far it hasn't yielded positive results on the course.

Rahm hasn't been on the green since the USPGA wrapped up on May 19, but LIV Houston was supposed to be the ideal warm-up before the US Open. He'll need to undergo an assessment this week before making a decision closer to the tournament's start on June 13.