Who will steal the green jacket from Jon Rahm at the Masters?

AUGUSTA | Games are made. With a target on his back, the reigning champion, Jon Rahm, will have to accomplish a real feat to keep his green jacket. It is available to the golfer who knows how to tame the legendary Augusta National course, resist temptation, outwit the elements and implore the golf gods in their cathedral on Washington Road, Georgia.

The 88^e Masters Tournament gets underway in difficult weather conditions this morning. Past winners Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama want to relive their moment of glory.

They are not the only ones dreaming of the jacket. Because Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele, to name just a few, are also desperate to finally win the coveted piece of clothing on a course where they have had success in the past.

Around this property blessed by the gods and adored by the golfing world, the short game is the key. And if the long game is not lacking, it is golden in order to compete at the top of the main draw. The battle promises to be fierce.

The key

Crowned champion thanks to an almost insurmountable lead at the dawn of the final round of the 2015 edition, Jordan Spieth delivered a real clinic with his putter. He had totaled 108 putts while his average was 27 putts per round. Which allowed him to set a record at the time with his 28 birdies. He then delivered a final score of 270 (-18) and equaled the incredible performance of Tiger Woods in 1997.

“It’s simple, you have to make the putts around here. Since my victory, I have hit the ball several times better, but the putts were not falling. You have to work on executing smoother rolls than anywhere else while working with the slopes. If the training is on point, you can do damage if you maintain the confidence.”

“Experience also helps a lot,” said the man who is in his 11th^e presence at the Masters.

The following year, Spieth tried to keep his green jacket, but in vain. We remember that he lost it by dashing his hopes in Rae’s Creek, at the par 3 of the 12th^e. Danny Willett finally beat him in what became one of the great nightmares in the history of the tournament.

Select group

Even though he is very strong, reigning champion Jon Rahm knows he has a very heavy task on his hands. Apart from Jack Nicklaus in 1996, Nick Faldo in 1990 and Tiger Woods in 2002, no one else has managed to keep his jacket two years in a row.

“I’m going to regret not wearing it everywhere I go, whatever the reasons,” said the 29-year-old Spaniard. It’s weird because it’s the only trophy you can’t keep at home. The winner’s jacket is the only one that can leave Augusta National. However, this is what makes it unique.”

Despite the difficulty and rarity of the feat, Rahmbo is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work to join the big three of his sport who form a small, select club.

Execrable kick-off

However, it is Mother Nature who will dictate the pace in this first round which will be contested in execrable conditions.

Up to 60 millimeters of rain are expected today. Added to the abundant fleet are sustained winds of 50 km/h and gusts of up to 75 km/h during stormy periods.

The game can be expected to be interrupted. As the saying goes “after the rain comes the good weather”, the sun will then dominate until the winner is crowned.

“It will be one of those days where we will have to persevere and seize the slightest little opportunity,” recalled Patrick Reed, champion in 2018, who will advocate patience in the rain.

Bottom of thumbnail Photo credit