Rahm on defensive in latest ‘cheat’ row

Jon Rahm was forced to defend himself after his second round of the Open, insisting: “I am no cheat.”

The 22-year-old Spaniard shot a 74 to finish on three over par but was adamant that the rules controversy of the first round had not affected him – and neither had the notion that he is quickly gaining a reputation.

Two weeks ago, Rahm escaped a penalty at the Irish Open – after replacing his ball in an erroneous position on a green – and at Royal Birkdale he was again absolved, despite being initially given a twoshot penalty.

The incident occurred on the 17th when Rahm moved a live plant near his ball.

Playing partner Lee Westwood pointed out that it was not a loose impediment and the rules official on hand handed Rahm the applicable sanction.

However, when met afterwards by David Rickman, the R&A chief referee, Rahm explained that it did not affect his lie and with no TV footage available, and with Westwood unsure whether it had or had not, the shots were removed.

Thus the 71 on his scorecard was transformed into a 69.

“I didn’t affect me today,” Rahm said. “I didn’t play bad because of yesterday.”

“There’s no other way to say it, that this has been unfortunate timing. If it happens in the span of 10 years nobody will remember but if it happens two tournaments in a row it seems a bigger deal than it really is.

“I know in my own mind that I am an honest player and have nothing to worry about.”

Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka, who ended the second day three shots off the lead on three under par, denied spitting on the ninth green.

Butch Harmon, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports, referred to it as a “disgusting habit”. When asked about the matter, American Koepka said: “It wasn’t on the green, I promise you that.”