News
Rahm’s water ball at 11: Is the Spaniard his own worst enemy, or should his caddie have stayed silent?
Few shots on the course have stunned golf fans and analysts alike more than Jon Rahm’s water ball on the 11th hole while leading the Players Championship on Sunday.
The exchange prior to the shot went viral on social media, which has now been removed by the PGA Tour. With his caddie, Adam Hayes, pleading for Rahm to lay up, the Spaniard pulled rank and proceeded to fire his ball into the water, in a moment of madness which proved a fatal blow in his bid to capture the Players trophy.
Immediately after the incident, announcers called the move “perplexing” as well as explaining how they “didn’t understand any of that,” referring to the seemingly rash decision made by Rahm after what appeared to be a calm and constructive assessment of the situation with his caddie.
Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee went even further than those commentators, calling the fiery 24-year-old’s decision and subsequent water ball “the most baffling decision” in the history of the tournament.
Rahm, however, came to a very different conclusion to what had occurred. With the ball taking a splash, the Spaniard lost his cool and was audibly heard saying “I was so f****** sure the first time,” which could only allude to him believing that his caddie had injected some doubt into his mind, causing the error.
Another water ball at 17 sank his chances entirely, and speaking after the round, Rahm stuck to his guns, believing that he had done the right thing and confirmed how he believed that his caddie’s involvement had hindered him.
“Adam was trying to convince me to go right. When I first got to the ball, I was really sure I could do it. If you give me 10 balls, besides that one, I’ll hit the other nine on land. Unfortunately, I got a little bit of doubt in me.”
Veteran caddie Kip Henley, speaking to GolfDigest, explained that while Hayes and the rest of America knew he was suggesting the right thing, he had no choice but to back down.
“Ninety-eight percent of America looks at that and knows Adam was making the right call. Birdie is great, but par doesn’t kill you, and a good caddie is able to look at the situation without as much emotion as the player.
“The whole time you’re fighting you better be aware where your guy is leaning because if you know he’s not coming over, you need to start backpedaling. You then need to make him feel like it’s a good decision. Everybody does that. You read your guy, and you find a way to change your tune.”
How the incident will affect their future working relationship remains to be seen. But Rahm’s refusal to accept that he may have been better served by listening to his caddie while speaking after the event is only likely to ignite the doubts over the Spaniard’s impetuous temperament.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Cebe Jansen
Mar 21, 2019 at 3:12 am
Playing strategically is not yet one of his strong points. When he develops this, he will win more regularly.
Dwind
Mar 20, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Did Rahm ask for his caddies advice?
Haston Thornton
Mar 20, 2019 at 4:45 pm
I am a long time caddie and still do. Our job as a caddie is to give our opinion,not just to carry the bag. Not to try and convinced the player to do what we think is a better play. I would have said if you hit it to the right. You can still make a birdie or par,if you hit the shot you want to hit. We could lose a stroke or two. And I would have listened to his thought’s and probably would not have said another word. Now its up to him and we found out that I had a stroke saving idea. In this crazy game Low Score Wins,period.
Andrew Taylor
Mar 20, 2019 at 4:23 pm
I would bet $10,000 that Rahm wouldn’t put 9 out of 10 on the green.. who does he think he’s kidding? Only himself.
hrfdez
Mar 20, 2019 at 4:08 pm
At the end of the day, the player is responsible for hitting the shot, period!
Ballzo
Mar 20, 2019 at 3:25 pm
I remember seeing that all play out. Before he made the decision to go for it I was thinking to myself how hard that shot looked. Bunker, keep it under the trees, water and draw it 20 yards. Even on TV it looked impossible. I was really shocked when he said he was going to hit it. His caddy did the right thing and he maybe should have done more obviously.
OnInTwo
Mar 21, 2019 at 12:43 pm
You forgot to add that the wind was against the shot. In other words, he was playing a draw shot into a slice wind. A two club wind, I think. His shot was short by at least that much. As the adage says “Over water add a club or add two balls.”
Jim
Mar 20, 2019 at 3:18 pm
If I was his caddie I would look for another bag. Rahm is going to fire you eventually , get the upper hand on him before it is too late.
Rahmbo
Mar 20, 2019 at 9:41 am
Never been a fan of Rahm. I don’t understand why so some people would say he’s fiery when it’s a temper problem. Sure the guy has skills but a good role model for golf. Blames everyone and everything else things don’t go his way.
Rahmbo
Mar 20, 2019 at 1:26 pm
*Sure the guy has skills but NOT a good role model for golf*
dave
Mar 20, 2019 at 9:18 am
will be rooting against rahm from now on……when you throw your caddie under the bus for some an idiotic decision you made….
C
Mar 20, 2019 at 3:13 am
Why have a caddy who interjects. He should hire a different caddy who doesn’t say anything at all then
Peter McGill
Mar 22, 2019 at 4:32 am
Then they would be call a Yes Man… not a caddie.
Wizzo1
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:49 am
It’s easier for Rahm to choke on that shot rather than lay up and choke from 90 yards away. Now he has an excuse! Choking from 90 yards as a tour player= no excuse!
Crusher
Mar 20, 2019 at 12:07 am
Rahm f’ed up, plain and simple. Pure BS that he could 9/10 on land. He needed to land. 1/1 on land and his immense ego cost him the tourney. His caddie was 110% right in his advice so, there should be no hard feelings going forward. What Ram needed to ask himself is this: will this one shot cause me to lose the tournament or win it? At that point in the round, he did not need to make that shot to win the tourney and in fat, all he could do was lose the tourney if he did not make the shot
Crusher
Mar 20, 2019 at 12:07 am
Raymond f’ed up, plain and simple. Pure BS that he could 9/10 on land. He needed to land. 1/1 on land and his immense ego cost him the tourney. His caddie was 110% right in his advice so, there should be no hard feelings going forward. What Ram needed to ask himself is this: will this one shot cause me to lose the tournament or win it? At that point in the round, he did not need to make that shot to win the tourney and in fat, all he could do was lose the tourney if he did not make the shot
Brian
Mar 19, 2019 at 10:57 pm
Can we please rethink how Spanish golfers are described. Whether it’s true or not, every article about Rahm or Sergio (from every golf writer and commentator on the planet, to be fair) contains the word FIERY or its equivalent. I’m not denying that they don’t show emotion, but I’m not sure why the descriptor is only used for Spaniards; it’s getting tired.
F
Mar 20, 2019 at 3:15 am
Seve was fiery. JMOlazabal was fiery.
tets
Mar 19, 2019 at 8:33 pm
Rahm is a spoiled crybaby … the caddie was right.. layup, wedge on and make par at worst. He hit the shot, he made the call, he should own. He just went to the top of my least favorite sports figure list
geohogan
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:26 pm
To settle this, Rahm and Adam should go back to that bunker, when wind is blowing 15mph, left to right, as it was Sunday and let Rahm have his 10 shots at hooking the ball into the wind over the water.
If he doesnt make the shot 9 out of 10 times, he should apologize to his caddie.
Chuck
Mar 20, 2019 at 1:13 am
I love this comment.
As a complete aside… if young Tour players are going to put this sort of inordinate responsibility on caddies, then I am more glad than ever that the Rules of Golf are cracking down on things like caddies lining players up.
Radim Pavlicek
Mar 20, 2019 at 4:09 am
You cannot win an argument over your wife even if you know you are right…
Alex
Mar 19, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Video is still on PGA Tour Twitter:
https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1107442996092362752?s=19
Chuck
Mar 20, 2019 at 1:20 am
Nope. Not any more. Thanks, PGA Tour.
Robert
Mar 19, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Obviously Rahm has not seen the Colin Montgomery video in which Colin says you only hit the shot after you have removed all negative thoughts.
HKO
Mar 19, 2019 at 4:11 pm
as much as i believe that any player would have agreed to what the caddie—who’d usually be with a bit more objectivity to the situation in general—had to say, i tent to not care too much about the specific player. what a big deal that he splashed and blamed his caddie for infusing a doubt to his mind? grow the eff up. plenty other players to support and cheer in PGA. moving on.