HomeSportsJon Rahm wins first Masters in Augusta

Jon Rahm wins first Masters in Augusta

Jon Rahm won his first Masters in Augusta when he kept his nerve and patience swinging an exciting final day in his favour from American Brooks Koepka.

The Spaniard carded a three-under 69 to finish on 12 under and win by four shots as Koepka, who led by two going into the final round, signed for a 75.

Koepka ended joint second with veteran Phil Mickelson, who shot a stunning seven-under 65 to finish eight under.

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Former champions Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed were a shot further back.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished in a group on four under, along with England’s US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who was the highest finisher from Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Rahm became the fourth Spanish player to win the Masters and his victory poignantly came on what would have been the 66th birthday of the legendary two-time champion Seve Ballesteros, who won in 1980 and 1983.

“I wasn’t sure how [the emotion] was going to come to me until I hit the third shot on the 18th,” said Rahm, whose first major win came at the 2021 US Open.

“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.”

After sinking his final putt, Rahm shook his clenched fists while looking up to the sky.

His family – wife Kelley, along with two sons Kepa and Eneko – quickly joined him on the 18th green before he was congratulated further by friends and family.

Those included compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal, another two-time Masters champion and one of Rahm’s mentors.

Alfred Saiki
Alfred Saiki
A passionate sports journalist and administrator. I want to see the world.