Jon Rahm releases statement after last-minute US Open withdrawal

Rahm had been managing an infection prior to the tournament which was caused by a cut between his toes.

The foot injury forced the Spaniard to withdraw midway through the LIV Golf event in Houston last week.

The World No. 8 was pictured wearing flip flops on-site at Pinehurst and had hoped to recover in time for Thursday’s first round but ultimately took the decision to withdraw.

‘After consulting with numerous doctors and my team, I have decided it is best for my long-term health, to withdraw from this week’s U.S. Open Championship,’ Rahm posted on X.

‘The infection was the worrisome part,’ he said. ‘The infection is now controlled but there’s still swelling and there’s still pain.

‘There’s a reason I walked out here in a shoe and a flip-flop, trying to keep the area dry and trying to get that to heal as soon as possible. But I can only do what I can do. The human body can only work so fast.’

Rahm entered this week after an indifferent start to the season following his big-money move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf last December.

The two-time major champion finished T45 when trying to defend his Green Jacket at Augusta National in April before missing the cut at last month’s US PGA Championship.

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