three wins in 2023
Jon Rahm stepped into Augustan Masters with a momentum-filled season behind him, owning three titles and a strong start that wired expectations high. In a pre-tournament press conference, he reminded reporters that past performances should not shadow the current week, saying, “what you did before this tournament means nothing.” His message was clear: focus on the present, let confidence drive the performance, and let the rest fall into place.
Rahm stressed that form is not the only predictor of success at Augusta. He pointed to moments when players have not borne their best years yet still found a way to compete at the highest level. He drew a line to the example of Tiger Woods, noting that every time he tees off, options open up and the game unfolds with new possibilities. Rahm has logged four top-10s in Augusta across six appearances, a record that reinforces his belief in staying adaptable and choosing the right approach for the moment.
The Basque golfer expressed genuine enthusiasm for a tournament that feels iconic in every aspect. He believes Augusta National caters to a wide range of golf styles and that its courses reward creativity and strategy rather than a single, fixed blueprint. “There’s something special about these layouts,” he said. “They enable you to play your own game. If you bring a strong performance, you’ll have options.”
Experience, Rahm added, matters when the wind shifts and conditions evolve. He noted that each year brings different weather and course setups, and having a seasoned approach helps players stay calm and decisive under pressure. This year’s field could demand versatility, and Rahm sounded ready to meet the challenge with poise.
three wins in 2023
Arriving at Augusta after a standout year that featured multiple victories, Rahm found himself in a fierce intra-era race for the world No. 1 ranking. He and his rivals, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, pushed one another toward greater heights, turning a traditional rivalry into a collaborative push for excellence. “We motivate each other,” Rahm remarked. “We’re pushing ourselves to be better.”
He even quipped about the possibility of becoming the new trio of the sport if this pace continues for years to come, acknowledging that there is still a long road before making direct comparisons. Rahm’s humility paired with ambition underscored his commitment to sustained greatness rather than quick, flashy wins.
Rahm carried this momentum into the Genesis Invitational and the Tournament of Champions, adding a notable run of results across the early season. He also captured the American Express, demonstrating the breadth of his form that year. Yet a few weeks later, health concerns briefly interrupted his rhythm, forcing him to reassess where he could best contribute to his team and personal goals. Rahm explained that golf is a week-to-week sport, and lingering issues can tilt the season in unexpected directions. “I live in the moment,” he said. “If something changes, you adjust with it.”
Further reflecting on the Masters’ storied legacy, Rahm recalled the deep Spanish tradition at Augusta and the legacies of José María Olazábal’s 1994 and 1999 victories. He noted that his first memories of Augusta stretch back to 2004, though he has spent countless hours studying past champions and their paths. He hopes to write a similar chapter in his own career and hinted at a deep respect for the history that has shaped the tournament. He also mentioned how watching legends like Olazábal and Sergio García—who emerged as a key figure for Spanish golf in the 1990s and 2000s—has influenced his approach and aspirations for the future. Rahm believes that history can repeat itself for those who combine preparation with the right moments of inspiration, and he aims to add to that storied lineage.
As the Masters week unfolds, Rahm looks forward to reconnecting with familiar faces on the course, including friends who, like him, previously chased PGA TOUR glory before pursuing other competitive paths. Dustin Johnson and Sergio García, among others who transitioned away from the PGA Tour, are part of a broader conversation about evolution in the sport. Rahm echoed a steady sentiment: rivalries and friendships endure, even if careers meander through different tours. In his view, the game remains about the ball, the club, and the moment—less about leagues or labels—and he is ready to let his play tell the story this season.