SPAIN CAN REIGN AGAIN
Olazabal says Rahm can tame Augusta once more to join the three legends who have won back-to-back Green Jackets
JON RAHM has sought just a single piece of advice from his fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal before his Masters title defence.
“The only thing he has asked me is what I had for dinner after my two victories because he didn’t want to have anything similar,” laughed the former Ryder Cup captain.
But on the 30th anniversary of his first win in Augusta, Olazabal reckons he still might see a Rahm repeat on the fairways and greens of the Augusta National Golf Club this Sunday.
And the Spanish veteran believes the world No.3’s defection to LIV Golf in December will not harm his chances of claiming his own second Masters title.
“A lot might have changed off the course since last year and he is playing a different tour but Jon is still the same player,” said Olazabal. “Things don’t change in that way.
“From the results I have seen, Jon is playing really good golf. He has been in the top 10 every tournament.
“He is going to be fresh. He will be eager to go and play that tournament again. And I have got more than half a feeling that Jon is going to do well.
“He has a good short game, good putter so I think Jon is going to do well. If he won last year, he can win this year. I have no doubts about that.”
Rahm triumphed on Seve Ballesteros’ birthday last year at a tournament which has always been special for the Spaniards.
“It is important because it was the first time we really saw Seve winning a Major event,” explained Olazabal. “The Open was not on TV.
“And the course demands great touch around the greens and great putting. If you look at Sergio (Garcia), Jon, Seve, myself we are pretty good in that department. That is why we have done so well over the years.”
Ballesteros was the first European winner in 1980 at the start of two decades of dominance by the Old Continent. He was followed by Sandy Lyle, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer and then Olazabal in 1994 and 1999. “It was an unbelievable run,” said the Spaniard.
“My first win changed my career but it didn’t change my life,” he recalled. “It threw the monkey off my back and I felt more relaxed after that.”
He returned for an emotional triumph five years later after recovering from severe rheumatoid arthritis in his feet.
“I really enjoyed the one in 1999 a lot more than the one in ’94,” he said. “In 1994 I tried to control my emotions and I was so focused on hitting every shot. In 1999 it was a total joy every step on the course, especially on that Sunday, most probably after what I went through with my health for two years. I thought that I would never be able to play golf again.”
Olazabal, now 58, will tee up at Augusta for the 35th time this week. “It is a monster of a course for me now,” he said. “It is so long. I will play for a few more years.”
Can he believe it is 30 years since his first triumph in Georgia? “Yes I can believe it because I am feeling old,” he laughed. “But the beauty of that tournament is the history.
“This year will be special with the anniversary of my victories and we will have Jon as defending champion hosting the dinner.”
His fellow Basque Rahm’s menu will include six choices of tapas and his grandmother’s lentil stew recipe.
So what did Olazabal serve? “In 1995 it was local fish and in 2000 a very nice piece of tasty beef,” he added.
“I have wonderful memories and it is a place that is very close to my heart.
‘‘Every time I go there and go through the gate and up Magnolia Lane, I feel at peace with myself.”
‘This year will be special with the anniversary of my victories’