Rahm’s quadruple triumph this season culminated in his acquisition of a second career major, augmenting his 2021 U.S. Open victory. Usurping Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, Rahm ascends to the pinnacle of global rankings.
“Winning a golf tournament never seemed likely to induce tears, yet on the 18th hole, I was on the verge,” admitted Rahm, joining the ranks of Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, and Sergio Garcia as the fourth Spaniard to conquer the Masters. “Boundless pride swells within me for my accomplishments.”
Koepka, who dominated the leaderboard for three consecutive rounds, faltered in the end, struggling through a three-over 75. Mickelson, the 52-year-old possessor of three Green Jackets, defied the passage of time with an astounding seven-under 65 – the lowest Masters round ever for a golfer above 50 – to join Koepka at eight-under 280.
Two prior Masters victors, Jordan Spieth (66) and Patrick Reed (68), alongside Russell Henley (70), concluded one stroke behind in a fourth-place deadlock.
Coinciding with Ballesteros’s 66th birthday and the 40th commemoration of the Spanish icon’s second Green Jacket victory, Rahm reveled in an exuberant applause as he strolled up the 18th fairway, boasting a four-stroke advantage.
Battling to maintain his equanimity, the 28-year-old clinched victory with a 4-foot par putt, concluding a marathon golf day commencing at dawn and culminating in the Georgia twilight.
“Seve’s influence on the game is a significant motivator for my passion and one reason I play,” Rahm asserted. “Achieving victory on the 40th anniversary of his win, his birthday, and Easter Sunday carries immense significance.
“Concluding in true Seve fashion – a Seve par – attests to his legacy, and I know he was championing me today. “This triumph was dedicated to Seve. His assistance from above was undeniable.”
Torrential rain and gale-force winds disrupted two days of play, compelling the remaining 53 competitors to return to the sodden course on Sunday to finalize the third round. Despite leading Rahm by four shots the previous night, Koepka’s advantage dwindled to two by the round’s end.
If Augusta’s LIV Tour tournaments – contested over 54 holes – had concluded after the third round, Koepka would have been donning a Green Jacket.
Regrettably for Koepka, major victories necessitate 72-hole competitions. Upon reaching the fourth round’s halfway point, Rahm’s two-stroke lead signaled his command.
Rahm’s decisive move materialized through consecutive birdies at 13 and 14, extending his lead to five with four holes remaining, as Koepka’s birdie drought persisted for 22 holes.
Despite Koepka and Mickelson’s inability to secure victory, LIV Golf’s Masters performance – placing three golfers in the top five – signifies major success.
Detractors of LIV Golf, backed by Saudi funding, have dismissed the venture as uncompetitive and a mere sportwashing endeavor by a nation intent on burnishing its human rights reputation.
