PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 23, 2021

Jon Rahm

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Quick Quotes

JOHN DEVER: We're joined by Jon Rahm, who posted a 4-under par 68 today.

Jon, yesterday didn't end the way you wanted but you really have to like the way you reacted to that adversity, came out and put up a really strong number today.

JON RAHM: Yeah, you know, yesterday felt just as good ball-striking wise. Today might have been a little bit better, knowing that we had a different wind and it can make somebody a little bit uncomfortable on the golf course.

But I was able to hit it better off the tee and make a few more putts and post a score. I had a chance to shoot something similar to this yesterday, I just really missed a lot of putts. Today, everything was a little more tidy. Only two makeable ones that I missed for par on 8 and 14.

Yeah, I mean, with that I could probably take a second to apologize everybody here because my attitude yesterday after the round maybe wasn't the best, and today shows what a positive attitude throughout the round can make. It's not anybody's fault here or at home, so I'm sorry for that.

It's okay to be upset, and I'm never going to judge myself for being upset, but I will judge myself if I don't conduct myself properly, and I definitely didn't yesterday.

Q. What can you tell us about Phil? He's somebody that took you under his wing. He's been a reference for you.

JON RAHM: Yeah, it's incredible what he's doing at 52, 51 years of age. I don't know exactly where it is. To be leading the PGA after 54 holes in what may not be the most Phil-like golf course. You need to drive it really well out here and it's long. He's doing an unbelievable job. I played with him on the practice round and I could tell he was playing great.

And we all know what he's capable of but the fact that at his age, it hasn't been done, it would be unbelievable. He's been very close many times to win majors and one could say that five may not be enough to how good of a career he's had, and I really hope he gets his record. I hope he gets his win. I hope he gets to put that stamp in history that would not be beaten in a very long time. His enthusiasm is what keeps him going; at his age, has the same enthusiasm I have at 26, and he's been doing this a very long time.

I mean, he's been on Tour as long as I've been alive. For him to keep that willingness to play and compete and practice, even when he hasn't been working, it's truly admirable, so I hope he gets it done.