Jon Rahm wins the Masters after finishing the marathon and climbs to No. 1
Rahms hero and musical inspiration the late Seve Ballesteros would have celebrated his 66th birthday on Sunday. This year marked the 40th anniversary of Ballesteros second Masters victory. Even worse caddy Adam Hayes was given white coveralls and the number 49 on April 9.
On Sunday Rahm transformed the longest day into his most satisfying triumph. He started the 30-hole marathon with a 4-hole deficit and finished with a stroll up to the 18th green that almost brought him to tears. He won another major solidifying his position as the No. 1 player in the world.
As athletes “we all have dreams like this and you try to picture what it will look like and feel like” Rahm added. “I never imagined that I would be in tears after winning a golf match but I came very close on the 18th hole.
Even before the Spaniard went professional in 2016 Mickelson predicted Rahm would be one of golfs biggest stars. Rahm now has a green jacket to go with his U.S. Open victory from Torrey Pines in 2021.
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The result was classic Rahm. His shot ricocheted off the pine trees and fell short of the fairways beginning as he pushed it into the forest. It’s no issue. With only one bogey remaining in his round he lofted a pitch to 3 feet after hitting a 4-iron near the green.
Rahm who ended a 12-under 276 described his par as “unusual very Seve” adding that he knew Seve was rooting for him. And Sunday was fantastic.
When Olazábal earned his second green jacket in 1999 Sergio Garcia was the low amateur. Garcia then won the Masters in 2017 the year Rahm made his debut.
As Scottie Scheffler did a year ago when he won the Masters Rahm triumphed for the fourth time this year and recovered the top spot in the global rankings. According to analysis by ESPN Stats & Information it was the first time ever that the player replacing the current world No. 1 was given the green jacket.
When Koepka chipped 20 feet beyond the green from behind the par-3 sixth and committed his second bogey he lost the lead for the first time since Thursday afternoon. There would be more.
Right down the 14th fairway he blasted a low shot with an 8-iron from 141 yards behind a tree. It struck a slope on the green and fed down to 3 feet for birdie. It was a question of finishing when Koepka three-putted for bogey.
The conclusion was missed by Tiger Woods. Before the third round began on Sunday morning he withdrew claiming that he had exacerbated a prior right foot plantar fasciitis issue.
Rahm described the day as amazing especially because his father had traveled from Spain. “Happy Easter” he said as he wrapped up his remarks during the trophy presentation on the 18th green. And Seve have peace.