Full Breakdown
Jon Rahm Apologizes After Divot Strikes Volunteer at 2026 PGA Championship
5/15/2026, 8:27:48 AM
Incident on the 7th Hole
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, in the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Jon Rahm’s second-shot approach on the par-4 7th hole landed long in the rough. Frustrated, he swung his club in an “air swing,” taking a divot that struck a nearby volunteer in the shoulder and face.
Course Context and Round Overview
Aronimink’s par-70 layout proved tougher than pre-tournament expectations, with early leaders near three under. Rahm, who started on the back nine, posted a 1-under 69, with a bogey on the 7th, birdies on 8 and 9, and an eagle on the 2nd.
Timeline of Events
- May 14, 2026 – Round 1 begins; Rahm’s 7th-hole incident.
- Immediate – Rahm apologizes to the volunteer.
- Press conference – Rahm repeats apology, says he “couldn’t feel any worse.”
- Later – PGA of America spokesperson says no conduct warning was issued.
Data & Statistics
Rahm finished the round at 69 (-1), with a bogey on the 7th, birdies on 8 and 9, and an eagle on the 2nd; the course par is 70 and early leaders were at -3.
Official Statements & Responses
Rahm told reporters he “couldn’t feel any worse,” apologized and said he would locate the volunteer to offer a gift, calling the act “inexcusable” and “completely avoidable.” A PGA of America spokesperson said the swing lacked intent, making it an accidental act and not a conduct violation. PGA chief championships officer Kerry Haigh said the player code of conduct is a collaborative effort among majors and tours, noting that warnings may be issued for egregious actions.
Criticism & Opposition
Golf Channel reporter Todd Lewis questioned whether the incident should have drawn a warning, emphasizing that the code permits penalties for repeat offenses.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Athletic’s Gabby Herzig described Rahm’s swing as a frustrated attempt that sent a clump of grass into a volunteer’s face; video footage captured the divot’s flight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree no formal warning was issued, but commentary suggests a warning might have been appropriate; the volunteer’s medical status beyond the shoulder and face impact remains unreported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I couldn’t feel any worse.” — Jon Rahm, press conference
- “I need to somehow track him down to give him a present because that's inexcusable and for something that could be completely avoidable.” — Jon Rahm
- “Because there seemed to be no intent and that it was accidental, it was not a conduct violation,” — PGA of America spokesperson
- “? “The player code of conduct is something that has been a collaborative effort among all the majors and the major tours …” — Kerry Haigh
What’s Next
Rahm will continue in the remaining rounds of the championship, while the PGA of America will monitor adherence to its conduct policy, which could trigger warnings for future infractions.
