AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 09: Jon Rahm of Spain celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jon Rahm started the final round at The Masters down two strokes to Brooks Koepka, but fought back to win his first Green Jacket.
On Thursday in the first round of The Masters, Jon Rahm walked off of the first green at Augusta National Golf Club at 2-over par as the 2021 U.S. Open champion four-putted uncharacteristically and looked all out of sorts to start the first major of the 2023 calendar year.
Rahm then proceeded to play the remaining holes in 9-under and have a share of the lead after the first round. And really, that was a premonition for what was to come the rest of the week at Augusta National, particularly on Sunday.
Brooks Koepka held the 54-hole lead by two strokes after the third round finished on Sunday morning with Rahm gaining ground, but the Spaniard quickly hunted him down in totality as he went out at 1-under 35 with Koepka shooting 3-over on the first nine. Then, it was all about smart golf, which Rahm knows all about.
He did so beautifully, adding to his lead with smart, cautious play, and eventually sinking this putt on the 18th hole to win The Masters.
Jon Rahm wins the Green Jacket. #themasters pic.twitter.com/WZ2P2ehDP7
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2023
Rahm had four Top 10 finishes at The Masters prior to this victory and his first Green Jacket, but had never gotten the spot in Butler Cabin. Now, he has a seat next to Fred Ridley, Jim Nantz and the rest of the past Masters champions for the rest of his life.
Now a two-time major champion, the 28-year-old was the rightful toast of the golfing world as they celebrated his monumental victory at Augusta National.
That's one. pic.twitter.com/FTKAU4Vd00
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 9, 2023
Seve Ballesteros is the golfer I have adored & admired the most in this sport. Today would’ve been his 66th birthday. Today is the 40th anniversary of his 2nd Masters win.
Today is the day Jon Rahm won his 2nd major.
Congrats to Jon. This was meant to be. 💚🌸 pic.twitter.com/ZhXujyl1Ir
— Amanda Rose (@AmandaGolf59) April 9, 2023
Rahm put on a clinic. Had total and complete control of his ball the first two days. I’ve played a lot of golf with him, but that was some of his best I’ve seen. 4 putted one, played in the worst conditions, and absolutely dominated the field. Congrats to @JonRahmpga!
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 9, 2023
If you polled pros around the world w/a simple Q—whose career would you take over the next 5 years?—I think Rahm would win in a runaway. He's been "the one" for a while now. Game gets deep respect from his peers. Now has 4 wins and the Masters in 2023. A fitting champion.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) April 9, 2023
Jon Rahm is as good as any player in the world week in and week out. He won this tournament yesterday morning, when the weather absolutely should have knocked him out and he wouldn’t let it. Love to see him get this jacket, wouldn’t bet it will be his only one. #Masters
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 9, 2023
Jon Rahm exudes something that's hard to describe. He sucks all the oxygen out of the group when he's on the course.
He's special and he's a Masters Champion. pic.twitter.com/la6S4tHZB8
— Rick Gehman (@RickRunGood) April 9, 2023
Congrats Jon Rahm!!! Masters Champion!!!!!! #themasters pic.twitter.com/W91DCqNsg3
— Savannah Leigh (@SportsGirlSL) April 9, 2023
https://twitter.com/MenInBlazers/status/1645205897290092545
Rahm is so goddamn good man. Incredible tournament. He 4-putt doubled the first hole of the week!
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) April 9, 2023
Early in the 2022-23 PGA Tour season, it’s felt like a three-horse race to be the best golfer in the world between Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. While the other two failed to truly contend (Rory didn’t even see the weekend outside of the second round finishing on Saturday morning), Rahm battled.
Even on the wrong side of the draw, Jon Rahm fought for 72 holes and got the spoils as the victor. And if you had to guess, this probably isn’t the last major he’s going to take home — perhaps even this year.
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