Jon Rahm posted a 73 on 7 July 2026 at the Genesis Scottish Open, beating only 12 players and dropping to 68th place after a disastrous opening round.

What happened?

The Spaniard teed off at 9:15 a.m. on the first day of the tournament at the historic Carnoustie Golf Links. A string of three‑putts on the front nine and a double‑bogey on the 12th hole pushed his score to 73, three over par. Only twelve golfers managed worse rounds, leaving Rahm near the bottom of the 156‑player field.

How did the round unfold?

Rahm started with a birdie on the 1st but quickly unraveled. He missed a 12‑foot putt on the 4th, then bogeyed the 6th and 7th holes. The turning point came at the 12th, where a wayward drive found the rough and a three‑putt added a double‑bogey. He recovered with a birdie on the 15th, but the damage was done. His final 73 left him 68th, 13 strokes behind leader Ludvig Aberg, who posted a 60.

Why does this matter for Jon Rahm?

Rahm entered the Scottish Open as a former world‑number‑one and a recent major champion. A poor start jeopardises his chances of making the cut, which sits at +2 after round one. Missing the cut would mean no weekend play, no FedExCup points, and a setback in his race to qualify for the upcoming Ryder Cup team. The result also adds pressure ahead of the U.S. Open, where he hopes to defend his title.

What’s next for Rahm?

Rahm has a single day to recover. He will need a sub‑par round on Thursday to climb back into the top‑70 and secure a spot on the weekend. Coach Santiago Luna has hinted that Rahm will focus on tightening his short‑game, especially putting, to avoid another three‑putt disaster. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can turn the tide before the tournament concludes on 10 July.

How did other players fare?

The leaderboard was dominated by Ludvig Aberg, who led with a 60, and Scottie Scheffler, who posted a 62. Meanwhile, rookie Tommy Fleetwood struggled, posting a 78 and falling to last place. The cut line is expected to sit around +2, meaning roughly 70 players will advance.

Historical context

This is Rahm’s worst opening round at Carnoustie since his debut there in 2021, when he shot a 71. The 73 ties his highest score of the season and marks a rare low point in an otherwise consistent year.

Fan reaction

Social media buzzed with concern. A popular golf forum posted, “Rahm needs to snap out of it fast, or his season could slip.” Meanwhile, his Spanish fan club posted a supportive message, urging him to stay focused and trust his preparation.

Outlook

If Rahm can post a 68 or better on Thursday, he will likely make the cut and keep his FedExCup hopes alive. Anything higher could see him exit early, a disappointment for a player who has been a regular contender in every major this year.

The next round begins at 9:00 a.m. on 8 July, and all eyes will be on Rahm as he attempts to claw his way back into contention.