AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) – Jon Rahm is the betting favorite this week at Augusta National and in contrast to final yr the Spaniard has had time to settle in and put together for the yr’s first major after arriving late at the 2021 Masters following the delivery of his first youngster.
The U.S. Open champion has been one of the crucial constant rivals at Augusta National since making his Masters debut in 2017 however nearly each time has had to conjure up a late-surge simply to get inside placing distance of the leaders.
“I’ve been there. I’ve executed it, and I do know I can play good right here,” mentioned world quantity two Rahm. “Hopefully … I get to the again 9 on Sunday a bit bit nearer, not needing a loopy again 9 to get the win.”
Despite being restricted to one nine-hole follow spherical final yr after his late arrival at Augusta National, Rahm completed within the high 10 for a fourth consecutive yr.
The Spaniard is so snug taking part in at Augusta National that he’s within the midst of a 15-round stretch the place he has shot even par or decrease, a streak that started within the second spherical of the 2018 Masters.
The further time on website this week has been put to good use since Augusta National has lengthened each the par-four eleventh and par-five fifteenth holes whereas quite a lot of greens have modified.
“It was good to have the week off final week, get the follow in at residence, after which this week see how the course is doing and see the modifications,” mentioned Rahm.
“We’re all the time eager to see what little tweaks the members have executed to the golf course, and it seems to be improbable as traditional. So I’m excited to get it going.”
Rahm’s finest outcome this season has been a runner-up displaying at Kapalua in January the place he carded a would-be record-breaking 33-under over 4 rounds solely to end one stroke again of Cameron Smith.
The Spaniard says he refuses be distracted by exterior noise about him being the favorite this week to be a part of compatriots Sergio Garcia (2017), Jose Maria Olazabal (1999, 1994) and Seve Ballesteros (1983, 1980) as a Masters champion.
“I could not care any much less what the chances say. I imply, I’m not wanting at it,” mentioned Rahm. “I like to suppose I’m the favorite myself in my thoughts, proper?
“But I’m not apprehensive about what the opposite gamers are doing. I’m simply going on the market to shoot the bottom rating I can, and hopefully that is sufficient. I by no means actually listen to that.”
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)
