The Masters 2023 LIVE: Leaderboard and reaction as Jon Rahm wins first green jacket
Rahm outduelled Brooks Koepka and honoured the late Seve Ballesteros to triumph in style at Augusta
Jon Rahm produced a nerveless Sunday performance to claim his first Masters green jacket in dominant but emotional style at Augusta National, in the perfect tribute to the late Seve Ballesteros.
Forty years after golfing icon Ballesteros claimed his second green jacket, and on what would have been his 66th birthday, Rahm became the fourth Spanish winner after Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.
“This one is for Seve,” Rahm said after winning his second major crown. “I knew he would be up there helping and help he did.”
The fourth and final round of a wild week at Augusta looked set to be a shootout between Rahm and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka.
But as the American faded in the fourth round, his Spanish foe relentlessly marched on, adding to his 2021 US Open crown by carding a 69 to end on 12-under. Rahm secured a four-shot triumph over Koepka and a rejuvenated Phil Mickelson, who shot a magical Sunday 65 at the age of 52 to end in a tie for second at eight-under.
Follow the reaction to the final round below:
Masters champion Jon Rahm speaking in Butler Cabin
On the historic nature of his victory: “The history of the game is a big part of why I play and one of the reasons why I play - Seve Ballesteros being one of them.
“If it wasn’t for that Ryder Cup in 1997 - my dad and I talk about it all the time - we don’t know where I would be or as a family where we would be.
“So for me to get it out on the 40th, anniversary of his win, his birthday on Easter Sunday, it is incredibly meaningful. To finish it over the way I did - it was very much a Seve par and in an accidental way a testament to him. I know he was pulling for me today.”
On the turning point of the round: “I thought eight was a key birdie. I didn’t expect that bogey on nine. Phil and Jordan were making birdies and finishing strong so making sure I didn’t put myself in a difficult spot in 10 and 11 was key.
“It’s not really one moment but if I had to pick one, hitting that perfect draw on 13 was the start of it.”
On his conversation with Jose Maria Olazabal:
“I can’t quite remember - he said he hoped it was the first of many more, we both mentioned something about Seve and if you had given us both 10 seconds we would have both ended up crying.
“I like to see history repeating itself. When Ollie won his second in 1999 Sergio Garcia was the low amateur and my first start was the year Sergio Garcia won - I guess Spaniards like winning on Easter Sunday and Seve’s birthday. So Mr Chairman you know what to do for me and keep putting it on Easter Sunday.”
Low amateur Sam Bennett speaking in Butler Cabin
A truly monumental week for the amateur Sam Bennett who finishes as the low amateur on -2. He was due to play in the Aggie Invitational, a 36-hole event without a caddie, tomorrow and still says he might. Here are his full thoughts:
Reflecting on his week: “It was incredible. Just getting the opportunity to play Augusta was a dream come true and then getting to see it on Sunday coming down the back, nine. Walking up 18 was by far the coolest experience of my life.
“The patrons were great all week and supportive, people back home as well - this is everything I ever dreamed of.”
On going back to college and playing tomorrow: “I definitely need some time to decompress but it was a great week and I’m looking forward to getting back and looking back on the memories I made, but it’s gonna be a, might be a 36-hole grind tomorrow so we’ll see. I still haven’t made my decision but I think I’m gonna play.”
John Rahm wins The Masters
Jon Rahm held off an unlikely challenge from Phil Mickelson as he powered to his second major title in the 87th Masters.
Forty years after the late Seve Ballesteros won his second Masters title and on what would have been his 66th birthday, Rahm became the fourth Spanish winner at Augusta National after Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.
The 2021 US Open champion, who had four-putted the first hole on Thursday, carded a closing 69 to finish 12 under par, four shots clear of Mickelson and long-time leader Brooks Koepka.
Jon Rahm claims second major crown with four-stroke Masters triumph
The 2021 US Open champion, who had four-putted the first hole on Thursday, carded a closing 69 to finish 12 under par.
Koepka speaks to Sky Sports
His feelings after the round: “Just kind of ho-hum. I didn’t play that great. I had some good shots I just ended up in some terrible spots - I’m still baffled at nine how it stays there.
“That was a big two shots swing and then at the end I was just trying to make birdies - it’s tough to catch him when he’s playing that good.”
Positives from the week: “I’ve known I’ve been healthy It was just showing everybody else. I feel good, been playing good so just need to keep doing what I’m doing. I’ll be just fine.”
On the motivation for the rest of the majors: “I mean second’s not very fun so that’s enough motivation.”
Historic turnaround
Let’s remember how this all started - a four-putt double bogey on the very first hole of the tournament. He responded in emphatic style, though, and went nine under par for the rest of the first round to finish Thursday on -7. He had the tough side of the draw and continued to battle away on Friday and Saturday and then chased down Koepka in the final 30 holes today. A truly ruthless performance.
The winning moment
Spain’s sixth green jacket and first since Sergio Garcia in 2017. Here’s the winning putt:
Final leaderboard
Simply nerveless stuff from Rahm today who wins by four strokes in the end. Here’s how the final leaderboard stacked up.
-12 Jon Rahm
-8 Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka
-7 Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Russell Henley
-6 Cameron Young, Viktor Hovland
-5 Sahith Theegala
-4 Scottie Scheffler, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa
JON RAHM WINS THE MASTERS
For the first time today, there’s an outpouring of emotion from Rahm. He heads off the green to embrace his wife, kids and parents who are all greenside. As he walks back to sign off his card, there’s an emotional embrace with Jose Maria Olazabal as the pair share words.
What a moment for the Spaniard on what would have been the great Seve Ballesteros’ 66th birthday.
JON RAHM WINS THE MASTERS
Koepka -8 (75), Rahm -12 (69)
Rahm salutes the patrons as he walks up to the green - he’ll have just four feet for his par.
Koepka’s birdie effort is a good one but it just misses on the right side. He taps in for a par and clears the stage.
Rahm steps up, sinks the putt and we have our 2023 Masters champion!!
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