Rahm trails eight shots behind Guerrier after the first round but secures his Ryder Cup eligibility for 2025 by playing in his fourth DP World Tour event this season.

Jon Rahm faced a tough start at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters, finishing eight shots behind the first-round leader Julien Guerrier. Despite an uncharacteristic performance, the Spanish golfer fulfilled an important personal milestone by completing the required events to remain eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup in New York.

Held at the iconic Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, Spain, the Andalucia Masters is a key event on the DP World Tour calendar, attracting top international players. Rahm, a two-time major winner, entered the tournament following an appeal against the fines levied for his switch to the controversial LIV Golf series. To retain his eligibility for the Ryder Cup, Rahm needed to participate in four DP World Tour events this year, with the Andalucia Masters serving as the final qualifying event.

However, the tournament opener proved to be a challenge for Rahm. After a solid start from the tee, his iron play faltered in the face of gusty winds, a condition that can wreak havoc at Valderrama, one of the trickiest courses on the tour. “It just wasn’t my sharpest,” Rahm admitted after his round. “As good as I hit it off the tee, I made too many mistakes with my irons.”

The Spanish crowd, who packed the course to cheer on their national star, saw Rahm struggle early on. His swing felt off, and he knew it was going to be a difficult day. “It was pretty early on that I realised the swing wasn’t great, and it was going to be a bit of a battle,” Rahm said. Despite his early frustrations, Rahm relied on the support of the home crowd, who played an instrumental role in keeping his spirits high. “On a day like that, the crowd is always going to be helpful and pull you back,” he added.

To his credit, Rahm rallied in the final stretch of his round, sinking birdies on three of the last five holes, including a crucial birdie on the 18th to finish with a respectable 70, leaving him tied in 39th place. Although far from the top of the leaderboard, Rahm’s late push helped salvage a round that could have easily spiralled further.

Meanwhile, France’s Julien Guerrier seized the opportunity to take the early lead, posting a strong round that positioned him two strokes ahead of the field. Guerrier’s performance was marked by consistency and precise shot-making, which allowed him to stay ahead on a day when many players struggled with the demanding conditions of Valderrama.

The Andalucia Masters, sponsored by Estrella Damm, is known for its challenging layout and often produces high-scoring rounds. The course features narrow fairways, and tricky greens, and is regularly affected by coastal winds, making it a stern test for even the most experienced players.

Rahm’s participation this week also had significant implications for his future. Last month, he fought against fines imposed by the DP World Tour for his move to LIV Golf, a breakaway series that has created deep divisions in the golfing world. By entering the Open de España, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and now the Andalucia Masters, Rahm ensured his eligibility for the prestigious Ryder Cup, a tournament that holds deep personal meaning for him.

Looking ahead, Rahm will need to improve his form if he’s to have any chance of competing for the title in Sotogrande. His iron play will need to sharpen, and he’ll need to navigate Valderrama’s infamous hazards with more precision. With three rounds still to play, there’s plenty of time for Rahm to recover and potentially make a charge up the leaderboard.

As the second round approaches, Rahm will look to lean on his experience and the energy of the home fans to put himself back in contention. Coverage of the second round of the Andalucia Masters will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf from 1 pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, Julien Guerrier, bolstered by his strong start, will aim to maintain his lead as he chases his first major DP World Tour title. With many of the tour’s top names in the field, it promises to be a highly competitive event in the remaining rounds.

For Rahm, the focus will be on improvement and finishing the tournament strong, while also keeping an eye on his future Ryder Cup prospects. Despite a rocky start, the Spaniard has shown time and again that he can bounce back when it matters most.