Jon Rahm wins his first Masters

Spain’s Jon Rahm secured his first Master’s victory after a thrilling final day at Augusta, where he held his nerve and emerged triumphant over American Brooks Koepka.

Rahm, who had been one of the pre-tournament favorites, finished with a three-under 69 to end on 12-under-par, winning by four shots as Koepka signed for a 75. Phil Mickelson, who shot an impressive seven-under 65, and Koepka both finished joint second at eight-under. Former champions Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed were a shot further back.
Rahm’s victory is particularly resounding as he became the fourth Spanish player to win the Masters, and he secured his win on what would have been the 66th birthday of the legendary two-time champion Seve Ballesteros, who won in 1980 and 1983.

“For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his second Masters win and on his birthday was incredibly meaningful,” Rahm said.

Rahm started his bid with a double bogey on the first hole, but he quickly recovered and showed off his all-round game, particularly his driving and putting, to record a score of 65 on the first day.

He then followed that up with scores of 69, 73, and 69. With three wins on the PGA Tour this year and four top-10 finishes in his previous six Masters starts, Rahm had the form and pedigree to win at Augusta, and he delivered in style.

With his latest victory, Rahm would now rise to the top of the ranking. “This one is for Seve. I knew he would be up there helping, and help he did,” Rahm said after his win. He also spoke about his final hole, where he retained his composure after hitting his final drive into the trees. The ball bounced back into play and landed 150 yards from the tee, but Rahm laid up and knocked a sublime chip to within a few feet for an unorthodox par. “It was a very unusual par, very much a Seve par – it was in a non-purposeful way, a testament to him. I know he was pulling for me, and it was a great Sunday,” added the 28-year-old.

He showed his gratitude to the history of the game and the greats who came before him, particularly Seve Ballesteros. “History of the game is a big reason why I play, and Seve is a big part of that history,” Rahm said. “I wasn’t sure how [the emotion] was going to come to me until I hit the third shot on the 18th.” Rahm’s first major win came at the 2021 US Open, and he has now added a Green Jacket to his collection.