Jon Rahm to take 4-week mental break

[October 19, 2021] U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm said he is going to take four weeks to rejuvenate after missing the cut at the Andalucia Masters in his native Spain.

"This is the first time in my life that I don't want to see a golf club," Rahm told reporters. "And this comes from someone who loves this sport, and after a year in which some pretty good things have happened to me."

The seven-over 78 he recorded Thursday tied his worst round as a professional, and he finished 16 strokes behind Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Rahm said he simply needs a mental refresher.

It's been a whirlwind year for Rahm, who became a father in April, was forced to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament in June while leading by six strokes because of a positive COVID-19 test, won his first major championship in June, couldn't compete in the Tokyo Olympics in August due to another positive test, then finished 3-1-1 at the Ryder Cup in September.

"More than my body, it is my mind that can't take it," he said. "If we add it all up, I need to rest."

Rahm, 26, finished the season as the No. 1 golfer in the world. He had 15 Top 10 finishes, including in all three season-ending playoff events.

--Field Level Media

[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.