Jon Rahm cruises to 2023 Masters victory, sealing Spaniard's second career major

CNN

Jon Rahm won Sunday's 2023 Masters, his first green jacket and second major in career. He made an impressive showing at Augusta National.

The Spaniard displayed a consistent performance to win by four shots over Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka of LIV Golf Series.

Two days of poor weather had caused multiple suspensions at the 87th edition historical major. It was fitting that blue skies, sunshine and victory for Rahm set the scene for Rahm's crowning as the world No. 1.

Rahm, who had started his tournament with a four-putt, double bogey, immediately recovered and carded a round of three-under 69 to finish 12-under.

After winning at Torrey Pines 2021, Rahm became the fourth Spaniard who won the green jacket on the birthday of Seve Ballesteros, the late Spanish golf legend.

Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal and Ballesteros were the only three Rahm's compatriots who had worn the green jacket before. Olazabal was the first to accept the new champion at 18 green.

Rahm stated, "History of the game plays a large part in why I play" and that Seve is one of the reasons I play.

"If it weren't for the Ryder Cup in 1997, my dad, and I, talk about it constantly, we don't even know where we'd be as a family.

"It's extremely meaningful for me to get it done today, the 40th anniversary of his win, and his birthday on Easter Sunday. I know he was pulling in my direction today."

Rahm took the two shot lead by Koepka into the final round, but he was unable to catch up. Koepka finished with a disappointing three-over 75. The American held at least a part of the lead after the first round but his hopes of a first green jacket or fifth career major quickly vanished amid Rahm’s relentless afternoon charge.

Mickelson, who shot a round-best 65 in his final round, rolled back the decades to become the oldest ever golfer to finish within the top five at the major. The 52-year old Mickelson was a three-time green jacket winner and smiled as he breezed around Augusta with eight birdies.

This is the lowest round by a player over 50, and it comes a day after Fred Couples became oldest player to make the cut at major.

Mickelson stated that he hopes this will "catapult me" into playing the rest the year in the same way he believes he is playing.

"I worked really hard in the off-season for my preparation. I have been shooting low scores at home and today, I let it happen. I had a great day and made some noise.

It wasn't enough for me, but it was a lot fun to play at this level again and it's encouraging me to go forward for the rest of the year.

Jordan Spieth, the 2015 champion, shot nine birdies in a blistering 66 closing round to finish at seven-under. To tie Russell Henley, Patrick Reed and make it three LIV golf players in the top four, the 2015 champion was at seven-under.

Scheffler's second round 75 was a disappointment. The American finished eight shots behind Rahm, tied for 10th. This made it unlikely that Scheffler would defend the title. Tradition dictates that the title will be defended. Scheffler suffered a frustrating second round 75. The American finished eight shots behind Rahm, tied for 10th.

After a memorable week at Augusta, Sam Bennett, a leading amateur, won plaudits and hearts. The 23-year old Texan, who has a tattoo of his father's last piece of advice on his wrist, shot 76 to tie for 16th in his Masters debut.