On the TunneySide of Sports June 21, 2021 #853 Up next… Jon Rahm
After further review… While Jon Rahm was listed as the favorite for the 121st U.S. Open that concluded at Torrey Pines in La Jolla (San Diego) California yesterday, this column went to press before that tournament was concluded.
Rahm is a professional golfer who was leading the 2021 Memorial Golf tournament earlier this month by 6 strokes. However, as he walked off the 18th green – he lost! How did that happen? Rahm had tied the 54-hole scoring record and could have tied Tiger Woods as the only repeating champion, but the tournament committee disqualified him. Did he record a score on his card incorrectly? Had his ball moved as he approached it? Did he ground his club in the bunker prior to hitting? Nope, he couldn’t even get as far as tournament HQ. The disqualification happened right on the 18th.
As soon as Rahm had putted out, he was informed that he tested positive for COVID-19 and thereby was disqualified! Rahm had evidently come in contact with someone who either had the virus or was asymptomatic, which sent many to their Funk and Wagnalls to find out what that is. Rahm had tested negative in previous Covid-19 exams, but his latest test came back positive.
What to do now? Some suggested he should be allowed to play his final round in a foursome with masks. Others suggested letting him play this final round by himself. Neither of these were acceptable in the game of golf. This COVID-19 rule, as unnatural as it may seem, was a policy that was understood by all and, thus, was the only course to follow. Rahm was exasperated. He then had to spend 10 days in quarantine.
The monetary reward for this Memorial Golf Tournament, played at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, was $9,300,00 with the winner earning $1,675,000. What did Rahm get? Unfortunately, zip-nothing. Being disqualified doesn’t entitle one to any compensation. No wonder Rahm was seen doubled over on the 18th green after hearing the news.
Jon, a 26-year-old Spaniard, born in the Basque Country, Spain, now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife Kelley Cahill. He states that growing up he held golfers Sergio Garcia and Seve Ballesteros is high esteem. With a 10-day quarantine at home, Jon spent time practicing on a golf simulator even though he had shot 16-under at Memorial and played some of the best golf of his life. That’s a good remedy and an important lesson following a tragic mishap. Got back to work!
What is your best remedy when a setback, expected or not, occurs in your life?
—————
Jim’s books contain stories and others like these. Check out Steve Young’s story in “Chicken Soup for the Sports Fans’ Soul” a New York Times Best Seller here.
Mention this column for a 25% discount.
To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
