BETHESDA, Md. (AP) Jon Rahm got off to a fast start in his professional debut, shooting a 7-under 64 on Thursday at Congressional to take the early first-round lead in the Quicken Loans National.
The 21-year-old Spaniard was in the clubhouse with sole possession of the lead at Tiger Woods' annual tournament, the start of which was delayed two-plus hours by rain. The soft course allowed players to attack fairways and play aggressively, and Rahm took advantage of that with seven birdies and a bogey-free round.
The former Arizona State star was the only amateur to make the cut last week in the U.S. Open, tying for 23rd at Oakmont. He had a one-stroke lead over Jhonattan Vegas and a two-stroke advantage over a pack that included veteran Ernie Els, the 1997 U.S. Open winner at Congressional.
Els, who turned pro five years before Rahm was born, chose to play the Quicken Loans immediately after missing the cut at the U.S. Open because of how much he likes the course. He has the same caddie, Ricky Roberts, who was on his bag back in 1997, and Thursday was full of useful memories.
