Jon Rahm is hopeful he can add his name to Spain’s Masters legacy as he seeks to reclaim his status as the World Number One in the Official Golf World Ranking.
The 27-year-old will become the fourth Spanish man to win at Augusta National should he emulate idols Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazábal and Sergio Garcia with victory this week.
Rahm, who made history last year as the first man from his country to win the U.S. Open, also boasts an impressive record at the Masters with top 10s in each of his last four appearances.
“It's a little different because it's the first one of the year,” Rahm said when asked what emotions this Major elicits.
“We haven't had any majors since the Open in July. So, it's the longest wait until we have a major. I think in that sense it's different.
“In my case, being the only Spanish player who's been a major champion but not a Masters champion, it's a little different, right?
“Hopefully I can be the fourth on that list. There's a lot of good Spanish history here that I would love to add on to.”
Rahm was displaced as World Number One last month after Scottie Scheffler won his third title of 2022 at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin but he is intent to reclaim top spot.
"When somebody wins three out of five events, it's pretty deserving. You can't take anything away from Scottie. I'm happy for him," said Rahm during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday.
"This is the beauty of the game we live in now. Anyone can be Number One at any point. I was able to be it for quite a bit and hoping I can get it back."
One notable difference to last year’s Masters is the build-up after last year’s hurried preparation following the birth of his first child, a boy called Kepa, on the Sunday before the tournament.
“It was nice to have the week off last week, get the practice in at home, and then this week see how the course is doing and see the changes,” he said.
“We're always eager to see what little tweaks the members have done to the golf course, and it looks fantastic as usual. So, I'm excited to get it going."
And with Kepa in attendance, Rahm is hoping his son can provide an extra bit of luck this week.
“He was a good luck charm at the U.S. Open. He wasn't there at the Open, so I'm hoping this one he is as well."
