Jon Rahm’s Rollercoaster Round: Luck and Contention at the 2025 PGA Championship

By: Josh Sens | May 17, 2025

When it comes to golf, they often say, “It’s better to be lucky than good.” However, having a blend of both can make all the difference, as we witnessed during Saturday’s thrilling third round of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. The event was marked by unpredictable winds and challenging conditions, pushing even the best players to their limits. Yet, amidst the swirling weather, fortune smiled on some, including world-renowned golfer Jon Rahm.

As the competition heated up on the greens, top players were discovering how fickle fate can be. Among them was Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1. His luck manifested early on the short par-4 8th hole, where a wayward drive veered toward the trees, only to bounce off them fortuitously and land near the fairway. While Scheffler failed to capitalize with a birdie, that bounce certainly spared him from a bogey.

But the most astonishing ricochet of the day came from none other than Jon Rahm. Just moments before Scheffler’s hedge-hopping success, Rahm, having made a commendable two-under on his front nine, faced a daunting approach on the long par-4 11th. As he struck the ball, a verbal complaint escaped his lips — “mudball” — a term that had echoed through the tournament, especially during Thursday’s challenging opening round.

Rahm’s stress was palpable as his shot veered left. Initially, it appeared to be a disastrous miss, but in a bizarre twist of fate, the ball didn’t find its way into thick rough. Instead, it clattered off an unsuspecting spectator’s head, sending it soaring across the green and into a more favorable lie on the secondary cut. This unexpected bounce gifted Rahm a golden opportunity to salvage par.

The striking impact with the spectator initially raised concerns among those observing. Fortunately, the fan, a robust young man dressed in a white shirt, emerged unscathed. Moments later, he was shown on camera, laughing off the incident. To ease the situation, Rahm made a heartfelt gesture by approaching the fan, offering an apology, and gifting him an autographed glove — a touching moment in the midst of a high-stakes competition.

In the wake of this unusual incident, Rahm expressed his admiration for the spectator’s calm demeanor. He shared his disbelief at how far the ball had ricocheted, especially considering he had used a 6-iron for that shot. “If it was a driver, you would expect it, but for a 6-iron, I mean…” he remarked, clearly still in awe of the trajectory his ball had taken after making contact with the fan.

Despite the comedic aftermath, Rahm did not find the perfect ending to the hole he had hoped for. Like Scheffler, he ultimately faltered, dropping a shot and finishing the hole with a bogey. Nevertheless, when tallying the events of the day, it was a mixed bag: a mudball, an unexpected fan interaction, and an autographed glove, all amidst the drama of competitive golf.

Rahm would go on to record a stellar four-under 67 for the day, placing him at six under for the tournament and prominently in contention as Sunday loomed. His performance, combined with a healthy dash of luck, positioned him well for what promises to be a thrilling finale at the PGA Championship.

As we move into the final round, the story of Rahm’s impressive round serves as a reminder of golf’s unpredictable nature. In a sport governed by precision, it occasionally takes a sprinkle of fortune to elevate a player’s game. Whether through miraculous bounces or good-natured interactions, the essence of the game remains intact — golf is as much about perseverance as it is about luck.

The blend of skill, strategy, and unanticipated moments makes events like the PGA Championship unforgettable. With players like Jon Rahm vying for the coveted title, fans can expect a grand spectacle filled with excitement, tension, and maybe just a little more luck unfolding on the challenging grounds of Quail Hollow.

In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of Rahm, Scheffler, or any of the other talented golfers in the tournament, there is much to look forward to as the weekend draws to a close. Stay tuned as we witness not only the culmination of a challenging championship but also the resilience, skill, and, yes, a little luck that defines the game of golf.