Jon Rahm has hit back at Brooks Koepka after the American branded the Spaniard a “child” after Team Europe’s dominance on Day 1 at the Ryder Cup. Rahm and rookie Nicolai Hojgaard inspired Europe to a crucial win over World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and the five-time major winner, who was left bitter by the devastating result at Marco Simone Golf Club.
On Friday, Rahm and Hojgaard rallied late to lead Europe to the fourball match victory over Team USA. The Spaniard chipped in for an eagle on the 16th hole and produced another stunning eagle on the 18th hole to earn half a point, with Koepka frustrated by Rahm’s behaviour on the 17th.
The passionate Rahm suggested he hit a little board on the 17th after leaving a putt short, which was what Koepka was likely referring to. The 28-year-old played down the moment and suggested he is “comfortable” with his performance and behaviour.
“I’m not going to stand here and say I’m the perfect example of what to do on a golf course, I don’t think either of us (sitting next to Tyrrell Hatton) are, I play and compete the way I think I need to play and compete,” Rahm said. “He mentioned it.
“I’m not happy I left the 10ft putt short on 17 to tie the hole. On the way to the tee, I let out some frustration and hit the board sideways. I didn’t stop and kept on walking. It was childish. But it is what it is. I don’t know what else to say.
“I’m very comfortable with who I am and what I do, I’ve done much worse on the course, that doesn’t even reach Jon anger on the course. I needed to do that at that time, to do what I had to do, clearly it worked out. I got a bit lucky on the putt, is it right or wrong? I did what I had to do.
“It’s hard not to see it nowadays. Everybody is on social media. My friends send it to me. Whatever he says, it shouldn’t be changing the way I approach this tournament. I’m here to do my job. Whatever comments anybody has, shouldn’t change who I am and what I do.”
Don’t miss…
Luke Donald speaks out on Jon Rahm beef after Koepka’s fiery Ryder Cup dig[LATEST]
Europe flying at Ryder Cup as USA star spotted crying after Koepka humiliation[LATEST]
Ryder Cup rules need changing and Tiger Woods has already helped prove it[LATEST]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Rahm dismissed any tension between the clashing teams, insisting he had to a ‘good relationship’ with Koepka in the past. He added: “I’ve never had an issue with Brooks. I don’t know what happened. I thought we had a pretty good relationship.”
Koepka followed his crushing defeat to Rahm and Hojgaard with a heavy 9&7 loss to Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland – the largest margin of victory in fourball history at the Ryder Cup. The American was clearly frustrated by the difficult day.
“I mean, I think me and Scottie birdied, what did we say, 14, we birdied 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and then lost by two,” Koepka said. “So yeah. I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did.
“But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on.”
Source: Read Full Article
