Jon Rahm, a top-ranked golfer, accidentally struck a volunteer in the face with a divot during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred on the 16th hole, where Rahm, frustrated after a poor shot, slammed his club into the ground, sending a clod of turf toward the volunteer. The Spaniard immediately apologized and later expressed his regret, calling the incident "inexcusable."
Rahm, who finished the round at one under par, described the moment in a post-round interview. "I got a flier on my second shot that went long. Just out of frustration, I tried to make an air swing, just over the grass, and I wasn't looking, took a divot, and unfortunately, I hit a volunteer," he said. "It hit him in the shoulder and then the face—I couldn't feel any worse."
The volunteer was reportedly struck in the shoulder before the divot hit his face. Rahm emphasized that he would track down the volunteer to apologize in person and offer a gift. "That's inexcusable and for something that could be completely avoidable," he added. "Whether it was my intention or not, it was just not good."
Despite the incident, Rahm had a solid round, recovering from early bogeys with an eagle on the second hole and closing with two consecutive birdies. The PGA Championship, known for its challenging course, has seen leaders hover around three under par as play progresses.