By Rahul Banerji
Jon Rahm turned in what Justin Thomas described as a “masterclass” to win the 87th Masters at Augusta National by four shots from Phil Mickelson and third round leader Brooks Koepka on Sunday.
The 28-year-old overturned a two-shot deficit to Koepka over the closing 18 holes under welcome clear skies after weather had played havoc with schedules after having resumed four shots behind the leader in Saturday’s incomplete third round.
Playing clinical and at times masterful golf, Rahm imposed himself on the final day’s proceedings to total 12-under 276, four ahead of LIV Golf League’s Mickelson and Koepka who shared second place on eight under 280s.
“I’m looking at the scores, and I still think I have a couple more holes left to win,” Rahm (65-69-73-69) said later. “Can’t really say anything else.
“I’ve always been confident when I’ve been close to the lead. I have full faith in all parts of my game, and maybe because it was that difficult out there, I was just focused on what I had to do. And that’s really all you can control, is what you can do.
In control
“What is going on on the outside is not always a reflection of the inside. I was calm. I never got frustrated.
“I never really got – felt like anything was out of control. But obviously you’re nervous, right. There’s tension out there.”
Rahm carded a three under par 69 on Sunday even as Koepka’s challenge fell apart with a three-over 75 while Mickelson soared up the leaderboard with an effervescent seven under 65. The two Americans were eight under 280.
Two former Masters champions, Jordan Speith and Patrick Reed shared fourth place alongside fellow-American Russel Henry on seven under 281.
It was the new world number one’s sixth win in his last 12 starts, and a 11th PGA Tour career title.
The result came on the 66th birthday of Rahm’s childhood idol, the late Severiano Ballesteros and the 40th anniversary of the great Spaniard’s second and final win at Augusta National.
“This one was for Seve. He was up there helping, and help he did,” Rahm said later
“I wasn’t sure how (the emotion) was going to come to me until I hit the third shot on the 18th,” added Rahm, whose first major win came at the 2021 US Open.
Emotional win
“History of the game is a big reason why I play and Seve is a big part of that history.
“For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his second Masters win and on his birthday was incredibly meaningful,” the new world number one would say.
“Never thought I was going to cry by winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole,” he added.
Rahm thus joined Ballesteros, Jose Marial Olazabal and Sergio Garcia as Masters winners from Spain, making it the most successful nation at Augusta National behind America.
Garcia’s Masters triumph in 2017 also came on Ballesteros’ birthday and the 34th anniversary of his 1983 victory.
Cameron Young of the US and Norway’s Viktor Hovland tied for seventh on 282s, Indian-American Sathith Theegala was ninth on 283.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished in a group of four including Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele on four under 284s.
Overall, it was a solid display from the LIV Golf League representation at Augusta National with three of them – Mickelson, Koepka and Reed – finishing in the top 10 of the $18 million opening major of the year.
Six others were entrenched mid-pack and only Dustin Johnson, Thomas Pieters and Mito Perera were at the bottom of the pile, making for a resounding rejection of the comments and asides from fellow-golfers, particularly Rory McIlroy who did not even make the cut.
Mounting pressure
Koepka was well in the mix over the front nine on Sunday, but a series of errors and unrelenting pressure from Rahm blew away his chances.
“I led for three rounds, and just didn’t do it on the last day,” Koepka said later. “That’s it, plain and simple.”
“Kind of ho-hum. I didn’t play that great. I hit some good shots and just ended up in some terrible spots. Then at the end trying to make birdies when he’s ahead – it’s tough.
“Second is not very fun so that’s motivation in itself.”
For Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner himself, it was a stunning turnaround of recent form.
“This is as much fun as I could possibly have playing golf,” the 52-year-old said.
“The final round of the Masters and to play the way I did and finish with a couple of birdies, regardless of the outcome, it has been a fun day.
“I’m grateful to be here and compete, to be part of this great championship, and to play how I did was extra special.”
Also read: Koepka takes two-shot lead into Masters finale as Tiger withdraws
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