Jon Rahm drops in birdie after 2 kids steal his golf ball at U.S. Open

PGA Tour pros play in the toughest conditions imaginable when it comes to the golf course.

The rough is thick, the greens are fast and the golf ball is seemingly always a roll or two away from disaster. It’s a testament to just how good these guys are.

But for Jon Rahm, his opening U.S. Open round had another element thrown into the mix: children.

Wrapping up his round on No. 18, the Arizona State alumnus ripped a drive 301 yards but pulled his tee shot left into thick rough.

That’s when two kids got a case of the sticky fingers, stealing Rahm’s ball. But not without Rahm getting a good look at the culprits.

To the kids who stole @JonRahmpga's golf ball on the 18th hole, he knows who you are. 😂 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Nh5YeeoXV9

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 16, 2022

“I’m pretty sure I know who it was, like I recognized the two kids that were running the opposite way with a smile on their face,” Rahm said after his round. “So I am 100% sure I saw the two kids that stole it.”

Luckily for Rahm — and the two kids — someone spotted his ball before the impromptu Easter egg hunt took place, giving the golfer a free drop on the 444-yard par four.

In fact, the whole ordeal may have done Rahm a favor.

“After the free relief, I had 135 yards to the pin in an area where the rough wasn’t that thick,” Rahm said.

“I don’t think they expected anybody to hit it there or be around there, so I was able to drop it in an area that was a little downgrain. I wasn’t in jeopardy of carrying the bunker. That wasn’t really a concern.”

Rahm didn’t take the lie for granted, either, greening his approach shot before rolling in a 21-footer for birdie.

The birdie moved Rahm to one-under for the tournament. He’s tied for 13th.

As for the golf-ball bandits? They get one heck on a souvenir.

Follow @AZSports