Spirit of Seve inspires Rahm

GIVEN only one rookie has ever won the Masters — Fuzzy Zoeller, way back in 1979 — it’s hardly surprising the legend has grown that you need to learn the wiles and pitfalls of Augusta before you can hope to win the green jacket.

But is that all changing? Both the last two winners, Jordan Spieth and Danny Willett, claimed the title in just their second appearance.

Furthermore, Spieth finished runner-up on his debut. So, could this be the year when a rookie goes one better and emulates Zoeller’s achievement?

There’s certainly a talented crop with potential to do so.

From England, there’s Tyrrell Hatton, now ranked 15th in the world, and Tommy Fleetwood, current leader of the Race to Dubai.

From Belgium there’s Thomas Pieters, the sensation of the last Ryder Cup and who already has two top-four finishes to his name on the PGA Tour this season.

From Canada there’s Adam Hadwin, who has shot a 59 this season and also won on the PGA Tour. And then there’s Jon Rahm, from Seve country in northern Spain, who’s threatening to win a major just like Seve did at the age of 22.

It was hard not to think of the great man last week as Rahm made his stirring recovery from five down after eight holes of the final of the WGC-Match Play Championship to take a clearly rattled Dustin Johnson all the way to the 18th hole.

‘I met Seve once but I was too young to appreciate who I was shaking hands with,’ recalled Rahm.

‘I grew up on Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson but once I learned about Seve he became my idol.

‘I can’t play like him but I try to inspire and express the same emotions. I know how much Augusta meant to him and I will try to follow in his footsteps and win a green jacket.’