Jon Rahm caught off-guard by fan support at the Olympics, says he ‘didn't expect the noise’
Jon Rahm was awestruck by the large crowd cheering for the golfers at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Spanish golfer teed off at the prestigious event on Thursday, August 1, with a large audience supporting the competitors.
After the opening round, Jon Rahm admitted he "didn't expect the noise" and found it emotional to see both Spaniards and non-Spaniards cheering for him.
"I didn't expect the noise there was, and I didn't think I would get the welcome I got on the first tee. It was very emotional that there were so many Spaniards, and on top of that, a lot of non-Spanish public supporting me," Rahm said (via ASAP Sports).
Rahm also shared his experience of playing with American golfer Xander Schauffele, who won two Majors in 2024. Rahm was paired with Schauffele and Viktor Hovland for the first two rounds of the Paris Olympics.
"Having the Olympic champion and winner of two majors like Xander [in the group], but it was an honour and I hope it will be just as good tomorrow. (On the play of fellow Team Spain competitor David Puig) I spoke to David, and he told me that he wasn't happy with how he ended, and now I'll see him in the car. Nothing that a good dinner and a bit of fun watching the Olympics can't cure," he added.
Rahm had a strong start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing the first round tied for sixth place. He began his round with a solid performance, making an eagle on the third hole. Despite two back-to-back bogeys on the seventh and eighth holes, he birdied the ninth.
Jon Rahm maintained a steady performance on the back nine, with consecutive birdies on the 12th and 13th holes and another eagle on the 14th. However, he faced challenges on the 16th, making a double bogey. He concluded his round with a birdie on the 17th and a par on the 18th.
Jon Rahm commended Matthieu Pavon’s enthusiasm at the Paris Olympics
French golfer Matthieu Pavon received a warm welcome from fans as the hometown hero teed off in Paris. A large crowd was there to cheer for Pavon, and even Jon Rahm was impressed by his enthusiasm. Pavon began his round with a birdie on the first hole.
Speaking about the French golfer and the crowd, Rahm said (via ASAP Sports):
"The fans have been incredible, especially having Matthieu [Pavon] behind me who looked very enthusiastic. It has been very fun, and the truth is that the French public have always treated me well and love me a lot."
Notably, Olympic legend Michael Phelps, who was in the audience to watch the golfers, was also struck by the crowd’s support for Matthieu Pavon. Pavon finished the first round, tied for 42nd place with a score of even par 71. Hideki Matsuyama led the field, followed by Xander Schauffele.