“Speechless”. This was Jon Rahm minutes after proclaiming himself champion of the Augusta Masters for the first time in his career. The Spanish golfer, who came back from a four-stroke deficit on the last day of competition, emotionally recalled Seve, who would have turned 66 this past April 9. Along with Sam Bennett (amateur winner), Scottie Scheffler (last year’s champion) and Fred Ridley (President of Augusta National), Rahmbo first spoke as the wearer of the green jacket.
Seve’s influence: “I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out for me until I got to the green for the last hole. The history of the sport is one of the big reasons I play golf, and Seve is a big part of it. If it wasn’t for the 1997 Ryder Cup, which I have talked about many times with my father, I don’t know where he would be. Winning on Seve’s birthday, his 40th birthday, means a lot. I’ve ended up in a very seve pair. It wasn’t on purpose, but it pays tribute to him. I know he was cheering me on.”
final round: “The birdie on 8 was key, Brooks bogeyed later and had to pass Amen Corner for par. They were finishing strong up front, so I didn’t want to put myself in a dangerous spot. At 13 I was able to go on the attack. If I have to choose a moment, the blow at number 13 was the one that started it all.
Congratulations from Olazabal: “I don’t remember very well what he said to me. She told me she hoped she’d be the first (green jacket) of many more, we both said something about Seve. If you give us 10 more seconds, we would both have ended up crying.”
Success of Spanish golf: “I like to see history repeat itself. When he won his second Masters, Sergio was debuting in the tournament. When Sergio won, I was the one making my debut. I guess we Spaniards like to win like that, on Easter Sunday, on Seve’s birthday. So President, you know what to do, keep putting the tournament on this date. I have no words.”
Work of the operators: “You dream of these moments, but it’s hard to imagine what they would be like. Thank you to everyone who works at Augusta National for what you do. Nothing compares to this tournament. Tradition is the word. The work that you all have done with this storm… I want to thank all the maintenance staff for the work this week. Also thanks to the volunteers. These things don’t happen without you.”
Rivals: “To my competitors, I can’t say much. It has been a great week, we have fought hard. Too bad Brooks didn’t have his best day. It has been very good to see two greats like Spieth and Mickelson, two greats, do a great round and scare us. When I saw its result, a couple of not very good ideas came to my mind”
Adam Hayes: “I want to start with the man who spends more time with me even than my wife and children. My caddy. You have been an example to me, and you continue to be, with your professionalism and your work ethic. It’s amazing what you do. What we have achieved together would not have been possible without you.”
Family: Thank you to all my family for the love and support. My wife is amazing what she does for me, she is a rock. I will say this last part in Spanish. Aita, it’s a good thing you’ve come, because if you don’t come… You almost didn’t come, thank goodness. That last. I love you”.
Anecdote: “I’m not sure if I was going to do this, but I have to. For those who believe in destiny. On Thursday morning, as I was arriving at the practice field, I saw a message from a friend of mine, Zach Ertz, Super Bowl champion. He wrote me that the first green looked like a walk in the park. Ten minutes before he four-putted there to start the tournament. Thanks Zach, don’t do that again.”
