AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jon Rahm has many fond memories of taking off the green jacket on Augusta National property over 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 throwing out the first pitch in the World Series is pretty unique. In a way, having to compete for the jacket is about as nervous as I’ve ever been tied to that jacket, having to be in front of all these people trying not to make a fool of me.
Rahm also misses the jacket.
“I think if I didn’t win this year, I probably wouldn’t regret not wearing it more often and taking it everywhere just because you have it,” he said.
The Masters winner is allowed to wear the jacket for the year following their victory, but the remainder of the time the jacket must remain on Augusta National property.
“Basically, it’s the one trophy you can’t really keep at home,” Rahm said. “You get a trophy, but the one we all hold dear is the jacket. I think it’s something really special to know, when you win, that the only jacket that leaves Augusta National is that one. I think this is the most special part of all.
The Masters has had 11 different champions in the last 11 years, from Adam Scott’s victory in 2013 to Rahm’s victory last year. This is the longest streak in tournament history without a repeat champion.
For what?
“One word: Tiger. And before that, you had Jack,” Shane Lowery said of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. These guys have won 11 times. There wasn’t much room for anyone else.
Nicklaus won six green jackets and Wood won five. Lowery, the 2019 British Open champion, is competing in his ninth Masters this week.
New York Post
