Jon Rahm claims victory at The Masters ahead of Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson at Augusta National
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Updated 10/04/2023 at 11:54 GMT
Spaniard Jon Rahm came out on top at Augusta National with a dominant four-stroke victory over Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson, securing his position as the world's number one golfer. This marks Rahm's fourth win of 2023. Rahm is now the fourth Spanish winner of The Masters after the late Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.
'This one's for Seve' - Rahm after Masters win
Jon Rahm won The Masters in a dominant fashion, defeating Brooks Koepka by four strokes and reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking.
After trailing by four strokes entering Sunday’s play at Augusta National, Rahm managed to come back to finish the marathon day with a three-under 69.
Entering the fourth round, Rahm was still two strokes behind Koepka. However, early errors from Koepka gave the 28-year-old the opportunity to move ahead in the leaderboard after just six holes. He never looked back, taking control of the tournament and comfortably holding off the competition.
This win marks the Spaniard's fourth victory in 2023.
"We all dream of things like this as players, and you try to visualise what it's going to be like and what it's going to feel like," Rahm said after his win.
"When I hit that third shot on the green, and I could tell it was close by the crowd's reaction, just the wave of emotion of so many things just overtook me.
"Never thought I was going to cry by winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole.
"A lot of it because of what it means to me, and to Spanish golf. It's Spain's tenth major, fourth player to win the Masters, and my second major win. It's pretty incredible."
Rahm is the now fourth Spanish player to win The Masters, and his victory came on what would have been the 66th birthday of two-time champion and former world No 1, Seve Ballesteros, who claimed victory at The Masters in 1980 and 1983.
"History of the game is a big reason why I play and Seve is a big part of that history," Rahm also said.
"For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his second Masters win and on his birthday was incredibly meaningful.
"This one is for Seve. I knew he would be up there helping and help he did."
Koepka, who was was looking for his first major title since 2019, was asked on how he felt after losing his lead, and said: "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."
Phil Mickelson finished joint second with Koepka after an impressive run of five birdies in the last seven holes, making him the oldest player in history, at 52-years-old, to finish in the top five at the tournament.
"This is as much fun as I could possibly have playing golf," he 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."
Scottie Scheffler finished his defence with a four-under-par aggregate and a 70, which placed him tied for 10th.
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