Jon Rahm became the first European golfer in six years to win the Masters…
- Jon Rahm took his first Masters title after finishing the final round 12 under
- The Spaniard became the first European to win the tournament in six years
- Rahm’s victory at Augusta saw him collect the biggest payday in Masters history
Jon Rahm became the first European to win The Masters in six years, finishing above LIV rival Brooks Koepka and winning the largest payout in the tournament’s history.
Rahm carded a three-under 69 to finish 12-under, finishing four shots ahead of Koepka and Phil Mickelson, who both finished the tournament eight-under.
It was a day to forget for Koepka, who went into the final round with a lead of two and would eventually sign for a 75.
However, it is fair to say that the evening belonged to Rahm, who became the fourth Spanish player to win The Masters.
In what was a week to remember for the Spaniard, the golfer took home £2.6 million ($3.24 million) in what was the biggest ever prize money for the winner in the competition’s history.
Jon Rahm became the first European to win the Masters in six years after last night’s win
The Spaniard’s win at Augusta National Golf Club would take home £2.6 million
Rahm pocketed £510,100 ($634,000) more than last year’s winner Scottie Scheffler.
The Spaniard not only won more than £2.6 million, but also returned to the top of the golf rankings.
Despite both Koepka and Mickelson finishing second, the pair would each receive £1.2 million ($1.594 million).
Heading into the tournament, Rahm was one of the favourites, along with Rory McIlroy, who missed the halfway point, and world number one Scheffler.
Coincidentally, Rahm’s victory came on the same day as the 66th birthday of two-time champion and compatriot Seve Ballesteros, who won in 1980 and 1983.
To put the colossal Masters scholarship in perspective, Ballesteros earned £44,000 ($55,000) for his first win in 1980.
Nowadays, the player who finished 43rd in the standings would get away with the same amount, according to Sports lens.
Jon Rahm finished the tournament four shots over Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka
Following the win, Rahm paid tribute to former two-time champion Ballesteros.
‘I wasn’t exactly sure how [the emotion] would come to me until I hit the third shot on the 18th,” Rahm said.
“The history of the game is a big reason why I play and Seve is a big part of that history.
“For me to pull it off on the 40th anniversary of his second Masters win and on his birthday was incredibly meaningful.”