Jon Rahm posts record-breaking score in third round of The Open Championship
Jon Rahm took full advantage of “moving day” during the Open Championship. The 2023 Masters champion is officially in contention after an incredible Saturday round from Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
Rahm scorched the course during third-round action, shooting a bogey-free 63 (-8) for the day. That took his score from +2 for the tournament to -6. Leader Brian Harman entered the weekend round at -10.
On the front side, Rahm birdied the par-5 fifth and par-3 ninth holes, getting his score back to even for the event. On the back side, the two-time major winner caught fire.
Rahm birdied six of the final nine holes, shooting a 6-under-par 30 on the back side at Royal Liverpool. His 63 was the lowest score he’s carded in a major championship. It was also the best score ever at the Golf Club in the tournament.
By the time he stepped off the 18th green, Rahm catapulted from just above the weekend cut line to second-place in the Open Championship. So, now he’ll enter Sunday’s round with a chance to claim his first ever Claret Jug and the second major win of 2023.
It’s been an incredibly impressive recovery for a player who was so frustrated through first round action.
Jon Rahm’s first-round struggles at Open Championship
The way the 2023 Open Championship started, it seemed like Rahm might just be happy to make the weekend cut. He carded a 3-over-par 74 on Thursday, venting plenty of frustrations along the way.
Peacock’s stream of first-round action captured Rahm dropping an audible F-bomb after missing a short par putt on the 10th hole. But that was only one part of Rahm’s frustration.
In addition to the golf-related struggles, Rahm also had a tough time with crowds and media during Thursday’s round. He said too many individuals got in his way, throwing off his pace of play.
He wasn’t too pleased after his opening round.
“Well, I mean, I’m trying to walk and there’s way too many people in my way and I can’t go forward at my own pace because they’re in the way,” Rahm said. “Very simple. And then I’m walking off 18 and I’m trying to deal with the unlucky moment on 18 and there’s somebody with a boom mic in my ass. Keeping up with Rory’s (McIlroy) pace. It’s kinda disregard that I existed.”
We’re guessing that Rahm is in a slightly better mood after his round on Saturday.