Brandel Chamblee expressed a harsh judgment regarding Jon Rahm’s inability to secure Olympic gold on Sunday, suggesting that the Spaniard ‘choked’ during the game in Paris.
The well-known analyst referred to Rahm’s performance as one of the most significant collapses of 2024, drawing parallels to Rory McIlroy’s disastrous finish at the US Open.
Rahm, who started the day in a tie for the lead, boasted a four-stroke advantage after a phenomenal start, going five-under-par through the first nine holes on Sunday.
However, the LIV golfer faltered with four bogeys and a double bogey towards the end of his final round, placing him four strokes behind Scottie Scheffler.
Despite being six shots back at the turn, the world No. 1 rallied with six birdies—including four in the last five holes—to claim the gold for the United States.
Jon Rahm failed to win Olympic gold on Sunday after suffering a late collapse in Paris
Brandel Chamblee delivered a brutal verdict on the Spanish golfer’s performance
Scheffler ended up one shot ahead of Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood, with Chamblee commenting, ‘Scottie Scheffler was six strokes back at the turn and won gold—without needing a playoff.’
‘He shot a 29, while Jon Rahm shot a 39. I’m labeling that as one of the most significant collapses and chokes of the year—certainly comparable to Rory McIlroy’s experience at the US Open.’
Back in June, McIlroy was poised to snap his decade-long major championship drought but faltered by missing two short putts in the final three holes.
Rahm hit four bogeys and a double bogey down the stretch of Sunday’s fourth round
Rahm’s mistakes opened the door for Bryson DeChambeau, who triumphed at Pinehurst. Meanwhile, McIlroy finished tied for fifth with Rahm, both four shots behind Scheffler.
‘I feel like I’ve been golf’s ‘Nearly Man’ for the past three years,’ McIlroy confessed.
‘I obviously want that to change and shift from being the ‘Nearly Man’ back to winning golf tournaments. It’s great to say I’m close, but I need to convert those near misses into actual wins.’
