Open Championship reporter lets out profanity during Jon Rahm putt

An obscenity made it over the air during the second round of The Open Championship 2025. And it came through loud and clear, even though it was hardly more than a whisper.

Jon Rahm was lining up a tricky putt on the 14th hole at Royal Portrush. Smylie Kaufman was giving a report for NBC Sports’ coverage on USA Network regarding the tough lie.

After Kaufman brought up the difficult hole location, he stopped as Rahm seemed prepared to putt. After a second or two, Kaufman could be heard exhaling and speaking a profanity that clearly was not meant to be picked up by the USA Network audience.

Later in the broadcast, Mike Tirico apologized for the vulgar phrase. He said technical issues caused Kaufman’s microphone to stay connected to the broadcast.

Rahm did not make the 48-foot putt, tapping in for par. At 477 yards, the 14th has been the hardest hole on the course for the day with a 4.45 average score.

It’s not unheard of for foul language to make it to air, especially if Rahm is involved. The fiery LIV Golf star is known for his expressive style of play. Earlier in the second round, the Spaniard pounded his club into the fairway after an errant shot banged off the stands. He was also spotted kicking his club.