Despite being four months away, it won’t be long before the Masters is the tournament on everyone’s lips. Will we see Jon Rahm keep hold of this Masters title?
The first major of the year is arguably the most revered of the four main events in the golfing calendar, and with there being such a big gap between the Open and the Augusta spectacle, it is the most eagerly anticipated.
With the new year nearly upon us, there are a few names that will be in the mix for the Green Jacket and Jon Rahm is the main protagonist.
Jon Rahm is the favourite to win back-to-back titles at Augusta
Jon Rahm became the fourth Spaniard to win the Green Jacket in April and he will be looking to be the first among his compatriots to retain his crown.
Indeed, with regards to betting on golf, the 29-year-old is +800 to win the title and this places him alongside Rory McIlroy as the leading contender.
He began 2023 in sublime form, claiming victory in the Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express and the Genesis Invitational before the start of April and he was clearly in red hot form heading to Georgia.
The Spaniard also played a crucial role in Europe’s successful Ryder Cup victory in Rome back in September as he won two and halved two of his four matches, contributing three vital points as the continent won the event for the first time in five years.
Jon Rahm drained a long eagle putt on the 18th green to tie his Ryder Cup fourballs match. Just before, his partner whispered some motivational words.https://t.co/57UA6ItEMU
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) September 29, 2023
Jon Rahm hasn’t won since April, but there is no doubt he will be confident heading into the first major of the year as he looks to make history.
Jon Rahm put Brooks Koepka to the sword in the 2023 Masters
While he was the man in form heading into the 2023 event, Rahm hadn’t won a major title since the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines and following a nervy double bogey at the first hole, the early signs didn’t look promising.
The next 17 holes however were nothing short of excellent, as the 29-year-old opened the tournament with a 65 which meant he shared the lead with Victor Hovland after Thursday.
This was followed by an impressive round of 69 on Friday, and he headed into the weekend on ten under par, just two shots behind Brooks Koepka, who was chasing his fifth major win.
Saturday and Sunday saw two of the biggest names in the sport duel it out as both looked to claim their first Green Jacket.
In poor weather conditions on Saturday, the duo struggled and when play was halted, they both faced 30 holes on Sunday, a daunting prospect.
Jon Rahm is the first European to win the Masters and US Open. 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/5qllUj2hU2
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 10, 2023
Jon Rahm showcased his superiority and eventually pulled away from the four-time major champion, with his closest challenger a 52-year-old Phil Mickelson, who finished with an extraordinary round of 65 that ensured he was runner-up.
The 2024 edition will be upon the golfing world in just a few short months and after his wonderful victory in 2023, Rahm could become only the second European after Sir Nick Faldo to win back-to-back Masters.
