Jon Rahm sparks outrage after volunteer hit in PGA Championship incident

Jon Rahm was at the centre of controversy during the opening round of the PGA Championship after a frustrated swipe at the rough sent a divot flying into a volunteer’s face at Aronimink.

The incident unfolded on the seventh hole, Rahm’s 16th of the day, after the Spaniard caught a flier from the rough and watched his approach sail long.

Clearly frustrated, Rahm attempted what he later described as an “air swing” through the grass — but instead ripped a chunk of turf out of the ground, with the divot striking a nearby volunteer in the shoulder and face.

The two-time major champion immediately turned to apologise and check the volunteer was okay before addressing the incident again after signing for a one-under 69.

“Thanks for reminding me of that,” Rahm said to a reporter during his post-round presser.

“I got a flier on my second shot that went long. It's not a good spot. Just out of frustration, I tried to make an air swing, just over the grass, and I wasn't looking, took a divot, and unfortunately, I hit a volunteer.

“Yeah, it hit him, and unfortunately it hit him in the shoulder and then the face. Which I couldn't feel any worse. That's why I was there apologising. I need to somehow track him down to give him a present because that's inexcusable and for something that could be completely avoidable.

“Whether it was my intention or not, it was just not good.”

Watch Rahm's comments in full here: 

Rahm’s opening round of one-under 69 was packed with highs and lows. 

The LIV Golf superstar holed out for eagle on the second and chipped in for birdie on the eighth to stay firmly in contention, ending the day in the red. 

But it was the divot incident that quickly dominated conversation online.

Social media reaction was split almost instantly. 

Some fans praised Rahm for owning the mistake and apologising immediately, while others argued he should be fined under a new code of conduct policy in the majors, something Sky Sports Golf's Paul McGinley discussed in the opening round. 

The debate comes amid several emotional outbursts during Thursday’s action. 

Rory McIlroy was seen hammering his driver into the turf on the fourth tee.

Justin Thomas also launched an iron to the left side of the tee box on the par-3 14th after an errant shot, compounded by the fact he didn't even bother to shout 'FORE'. 

Whether Rahm, McIlroy or Thomas face any punishment remains to be seen.