Jon Rahm has apologised after a wayward swing resulted in a volunteer being struck by a divot at the PGA Championship.
The incident occurred on Thursday during the first round at Aronimink Golf Club, the venue for the 2026 PGA Championship. Rahm was attempting a 170-yard approach shot from the left rough on the seventh hole.
Rahm’s Errant Shot and Immediate Apology
Rahm’s ball headed straight for the pin but bounded over the green. Following the shot, Rahm took what he described as an aggressive lash at the ground with his club, intending to make an “air swing”.
Instead, a chunk of turf was sent flying towards the gallery, striking a volunteer in the arm and face. Upon realising what had happened, Rahm covered his mouth in shock and went to apologise to the volunteer, putting his hand on the man’s shoulder and speaking to him.
“Unfortunately, it hit him in the shoulder and then the face. I couldn’t feel any worse,” Rahm said. “That’s why I was there apologizing. I need to somehow track him down to give him a present because that’s inexcusable and for something that could be completely avoidable. Whether it was my intention or not, it was just not good.”
The volunteer was left with grass stains on his jacket.
PGA of America’s Decision on Potential Penalty
The PGA of America posted a new player code of conduct in the locker room this year. The code states that players may be subject to warnings and potential penalties if they do something “egregious”, according to Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America Chief Championships Officer.
Haigh stated the code of conduct was implemented “to try and make sure everyone is behaving appropriately, professionally, and as we would want our children and people watching to see the major championship”.
However, a spokesperson for the PGA of America confirmed that the incident involving Rahm on the seventh hole did not qualify as a violation. “Because there seemed to be no intent and that it was accidental, it was not a conduct violation,” they explained.
Rahm’s Round and Upcoming Tee Time
Rahm completed the first round with a 1-under 69. He is scheduled to tee off at 2:05 p.m. ET on Friday for Round 2.
Rahm expressed his remorse, stating he needed to track down the volunteer to give him a gift.