Jon Rahm’s PGA Championship Collapse: One Step Short of a Career Grand Slam
Jon Rahm entered the 2025 PGA Championship with the weight of history on his shoulders. Having already secured victories at the Masters in 2023 and the U.S. Open in 2021, a win at Quail Hollow would have left him just one title shy of completing golf’s prestigious career Grand Slam. For much of the tournament, it looked like he might pull it off. But as the final holes unfolded, so did Rahm’s shot at history.
<strong>Strong Start, Stronger Expectations</strong>
Rahm opened the tournament with a solid 68 in the first round, a clear sign that he still had the form to compete at the highest level, despite critics claiming otherwise after his move to LIV Golf. He followed it up with a stunning 66 in the second round, putting himself firmly in the conversation for the win. A composed 69 on Saturday kept him just a few strokes off the lead heading into the final round.
On Sunday, he began confidently and played nearly flawless golf for the first 15 holes. But then, everything unraveled. A bogey on the 16th hole was followed by back-to-back double bogeys on the final two holes—errors caused by mistimed tee shots, uncooperative winds, and misjudged decisions. What seemed like a potential victory turned into a disappointing finish at tied 8th.
<strong>Emotional Aftermath</strong>
Speaking after the round, Rahm was visibly emotional. “It’s the first time I’ve been that close and not finished it off,” he admitted. In the past, whenever he had a major lead on Sunday, he’d closed it out. This experience, he said, was different and painful.
For Rahm, the key to moving on lies with his family. He emphasized how grounding it is to return home to his three children and wife, Kelley. “To them, it doesn’t matter if I won or lost. That perspective helps,” he shared. Rahm and Kelley married in 2019 and are raising three kids—Kepa, Eneko, and their daughter Alaia, born in late 2024. He credited this strong support system for maintaining his mental health throughout his career, especially after losses like this one.
Rahm also offered a broader reflection: “I play golf for a living. It’s incredible. Am I embarrassed about the way I finished? Yes. But I have to move on. I’m not a doctor or first responder—no one’s life is on the line because of a bogey. I’ll be fine.” He acknowledged his lengthy response and apologized, saying he was still processing everything.
<strong>LIV Golf and Major Slumps: Is There a Link?</strong>
After joining LIV Golf in late 2023, Rahm’s performance at major championships has been scrutinized. Though he thrived in the LIV format, winning twice and consistently finishing in the top ten, his 2024 major appearances told a different story: T45 at the Masters, missed cut at the PGA Championship, and T7 at The Open. In 2025, he placed 14th at Augusta and now T8 at Quail Hollow.
Some believe the LIV schedule or lack of traditional competition might be affecting his major performances. But Rahm disagrees. “It has nothing to do with where I’m playing. My swing just hasn’t been good enough. Majors expose those flaws more than other events do,” he said candidly.
<strong>Eyes on Oakmont</strong>
Rahm’s next opportunity to silence the critics comes at the 2025 U.S. Open, scheduled for June 12–15 at Oakmont Country Club. With his mindset focused on learning from Quail Hollow and building momentum, Rahm will once again try to prove he still belongs among the elite. Whether his comeback story continues or stalls will soon be put to the test.