AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jon Rahm has a lot of beautiful memories about having the green jacket out of the Augusta National property for the past year as the 2023 Masters champion.
“Best memories?’’ Rahm said Tuesday. “The most memorable one for me has to be the first pitch. Just doing the first pitch in the World Series is quite unique. Sort of having to compete for the jacket is about as nervous as I’ve ever been related to that jacket, having to be in front of all those people trying to not make a fool of myself.’’
Rahm, too, has a regret about the jacket.
“I think if I were not to win this year, I’m probably not going to regret not wearing it more often and just taking it everywhere for just because you have it,’’ he said.
The Masters winner is allowed to wear the jacket for the year after he’s won it, but all other times the jacket is to remain on Augusta National property.
“Essentially, it’s the only trophy you can’t really keep at home,’’ Rahm said. “You do get a trophy, but the one that we all care about is the jacket. I think it’s something really special to know, when you win, that the only jacket that ever leaves Augusta National is that one. I think that’s the most special part of all.’’
The Masters has had 11 different champions in the past 11 years, dating back to Adam Scott’s win in 2013 to Rahm’s win last year. It’s the longest streak in tournament history without a repeat champion.
Why?
“One word: Tiger. And before that you had Jack,” Shane Lowery said of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Those guys won 11 times. There wasn’t much room for anybody else.’’
Nicklaus won six green jackets and Wood has won five. Lowery, the 2019 British Open champion, is competing in his ninth Masters this week.
