Jon Rahm holds off LIV rivals Koepka and Mickelson to secure Masters title

09 April 2023 , 23:22

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Jon Rahm, of Spain, celebrates winning the Masters golf tournament at Augusta (Image: AP)

Jon Rahm held off LIV stars Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson to win the Masters for Spain - and the PGA Tour. The new world No.1 became the fourth Spanish champion at Augusta on Seve Ballesteros’ birthday.

Rambo won by four shots on 12-under par after a final round 69 on a marathon final day. Koepka had led by four shots on 13-under par with the third round suspended overnight because of rain.

With LIV events played over only three days, he played his final 30 holes on the fourth day in five-over par to finish tied second with Mickelson The three-time champion returned to his old form with a closing 65 to become the oldest man to ever finish in the top-five at the Masters aged 52.

Rahm won his first Major at the 2021 US Open and lifts his second on the 40th anniversary of the late Ballesteros’ second win here. He is also only the second Spaniard after the late legend to win two different Majors.

Before teeing off the final round, Rahm told Sky Sports: “I would like to think he is up there watching and pulling for me. With him in my corner, I hope to have a little bit of help and motivation to get it done.” The last time the final round was staged on Easter Sunday, Sergio Garcia won in 2017.

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Jon Rahm became the fourth Spaniard to win the title (Getty Images)

Jose Maria Olazabal, who was waiting to congratulate him behind the 72nd green also won two Masters titles in 1994 and 1994. His fourth win this year also takes him back to the top of the world rankings above defending champion Scottie Scheffler who finished tied 10th.

It is also a huge relief for the PGA Tour after Cam Smith won the Open last July - and then defected to LIV Golf. LIV stars are now banned from the PGA Tour and lost an arbitration case with the DP World Tour last week. But they are allowed to continue to play in the Majors to add extra interest and excitement.

Phil Mickelson enjoyed an impressive return to the PGA Tour (Getty Images)

Three-time champion Mickelson, who has a life-time exemption at the Masters, said: “We're all grateful that we're able to play and compete here, and I think it's tremendous for this tournament to have all the best players in the world here. Then as a past champion, to be able to still be a part of it, it means a lot.”

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick finished as top Brit in tied xx after a closing 70. “I felt comfortable out there,” he said. “No neck issues. Driving was good. Irons were much better. Positive week overall.”

Neil McLeman