The Masters: After becoming the fourth golfer from Spain to win the Masters, Jon Rahm was overtaken with emotion and said, “This one was for Seve.”
On Sunday, April 9, the 28-year-victory old’s at Augusta National coincided with the late Seve Ballesteros’ 66th birthday. Ballesteros was the first golfer from Spain to wear the prestigious Green Jacket in 1980.
The significance was not lost on Rahm, a keen student of golf history whose parents were encouraged to take up the sport after witnessing a Europe team captained by their compatriot claim a Ryder Cup victory at Valderrama in 1997. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Ballesteros’ second Master’s victory in 1983.
After holing out on the 18th hole, Rahm was greeted by Jose Maria Olazabal, another past Masters champion from Spain. “Obviously 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.
“Then the rush of emotion from so many things just overpowered me when I hit that third shot on the green, and I could tell it was close by the reaction of the fans. I never imagined that winning a golf tournament would make me cry, but on that last hole, I came dangerously near.
“And a lot of it is because of what it means to me and to Spanish golf: It’s my second major victory, Spain’s 10th major, and the fourth man to win the Masters. It’s very amazing.
“This was intended for Seve. He was up there assisting, which he also did.”
Rahm started his final round four strokes behind playing partner Brooks Koepka, but he produced a nearly faultless round of 69, which included four birdies, to take advantage of the American’s mistakes and finish the tournament four shots ahead at 12-under par.
He was startled to find that he had become the first European to win both the Masters and the US Open. It was his second major victory after winning the US Open at Torrey Pines two years prior.
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