Jon Rahm issues major concern on eve of The Masters

Jon Rahm admits his caddie Adam Hayes is in a race against time to be fully fit ahead of the first round of The Masters having gone down with a stomach bug. 

LIV Golf star Rahm, who is bidding to become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to successfully defend The Masters, remains hopeful Hayes will be ready to roll by Thursday.

Hayes, who has worked for Rahm since 2016, was unable to caddie for Rahm in the final round of LIV Golf Miami on Sunday due to illness. 

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That was the first time ever that Hayes has had to step down from Rahm's bag during a competitive event. 

Cameron Smith was also forced out of LIV Golf Miami due to illness. 

Although Rahm failed to land his maiden LIV Golf title last week, he did help his team Legion XIII capture their second title of the season.

Speaking in the media centre ahead of The Masters, the Spaniard addressed the current situation where his caddie is concerned.

Rahm said Hayes is feeling better each day. 

But the two-time major champion explained he does not have a back-up in place to caddie for him this week should Hayes need further time on the sidelines. 

Rahm said: 

"Well, he's here, and he had a little bit of a stomach bug. It takes a lot for him not to caddie because I've heard multiple times, 'I don't know if I can make it,' but I don't know if today would be the day, and he's always been there and he's always made it through, even though he's struggled. 

"Last Sunday was the first time he's not done it [caddied], and that's quite concerning for me because that guy will battle through anything.

"He seemed better yesterday, though. He seemed quite a bit better, and hopefully a little bit better today and tomorrow.

"As of right now, I don't have a backup, so I hope he can make it on Thursday."

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