{"id":37534,"date":"2026-07-16T06:34:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T06:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/golf\/37534\/"},"modified":"2026-07-16T06:34:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T06:34:25","slug":"jon-rahm-makes-brutal-claim-about-what-an","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/golf\/37534\/","title":{"rendered":"Jon Rahm Makes Brutal Claim About What An\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the last of the year’s four men’s Majors, players wouldn\u2019t expect anything less than a stern challenge as they tee it up at The Open. <\/p>\n

This year, the tournament comes from Royal Birkdale<\/a> for the 11th time. <\/p>\n

There, as you\u2019d expect, the field will face all the potential pitfalls you\u2019d expect from an Open venue, offering a pure links test with demanding holes, punitive rough and the ever-present chance of wind to add to its already daunting challenges. <\/p>\n

One of the favorites to lift the Claret Jug<\/a> in 2026 is Jon Rahm. The LIV Golfer\u2019s best finish at the Major is a T2 achieved at Royal Liverpool in 2023, while his only other Open appearance at Royal Birkdale resulted in a T44 nine years ago. <\/p>\n


\n There was frustration for Rahm the last time The Open came from Royal Birkdale (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Therefore, it\u2019s safe to say he knows a thing or two about what it takes to navigate the unique challenges presented by The Open \u2013 and what Royal Birkdale has in store. <\/p>\n

But how would a recreational golfer fare at Royal Birkdale under the same conditions awaiting the field? Let\u2019s just say the Spaniard’s not optimistic. <\/p>\n

Rahm gave his thoughts on the score an 18-handicapper could hope to shoot to Callaway Golf Europe, and he\u2019s not even confident many would make it past the turn \u2013 and that\u2019s even with a more forgiving front nine! <\/p>\n

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A photo posted by on <\/p>\n

He said: \u201cI would say most of them would leave after nine. Honestly, there\u2019s no\u2026 the front nine you may survive, the rough isn\u2019t as thick as it\u2019s been in the past. You could do OK. I just think a lot of them wouldn\u2019t finish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rahm thinks the wind, in particular, would be the downfall of many 18-handicappers, believing some would struggle to make the green in regulation on at least two of the holes. <\/p>\n

He explained: \u201cI mean, some of those holes like 13, it\u2019s just it would be especially\u2026 the wind we had today with 13 and 18, 500 yards playing straight into the wind. When pros are hitting driver-two irons, driver-four irons\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the brutal test of The Open, the average winning score at Royal Birkdale<\/a> is approximately nine-under-par – around 276 strokes. Meanwhile, last time it was held there, in 2017, Jordan Spieth bettered that by six when he finished on 12-under to lift the Claret Jug. <\/p>\n


\n Jordan Spieth shot 268 to win The Open in 2017 at Royal Birkdale (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

So, what does Rahm think an 18-handicapper would shoot at the par-70, assuming they finished all 18 holes? Needless to say, his answer highlights just how incredible the achievements of those who\u2019ve won The Open at Royal Birkdale have been. <\/p>\n

He added: \u201cI would say, so 18, back tees\u2026 I mean, nothing shy of 120. We\u2019re going north of that. It\u2019s a very large number.\u201d<\/p>\n

What do you think of Rahm’s estimation? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n