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Rahm Reigns At Augusta To Capture 2023 Masters And Honour Seve

At the end of one of the longest Masters Sundays in history, Jon Rahm became the fourth Spaniard to don the Green Jacket

Augusta National is ready for The Masters 2023

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jon Rahm turned on the style to clinch his second Major championship and first Masters title at the end of a marathon Sunday at Augusta National.

On what would have been Seve’s 66th birthday, the Spaniard produced a performance his idol would have been proud of, displaying the same battling qualities Ballesteros was famed for to overcome a resurgent Brooks Koepka.

Rahm began the day four behind Koepka as the third round resumed following various weather delays, but chipped away at his deficit before surging clear when it mattered most. 

When Koepka bogeyed the 6th in the final round, Rahm’s comeback was complete and he never looked back, carding a closing 69 to win by four and become the fourth Spaniard to don the Green Jacket

"The history of the game is a big part of why I play and Seve is a big part of that," Rahm said in the Butler Cabin. "For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his win, his birthday, Easter Sunday, it was incredible."

As well as the Green Jacket, Rahm pockets $3.24 million and leaves the iconic Georgia venue as the new World No. 1.

As for Koepka, a disappointing 75 dropped him back into a share of second with Phil Mickelson, whose thrilling 65 is now the lowest score shot by a golfer over 50 at the Masters.

Elsewhere, Jordan Spieth went on a back-nine tear to briefly threaten the lead but eventually finished in a tie for fourth alongside Patrick Reed and Russell Henley.

MASTERS 2023 LEADERBOARD

  • -12 Rahm 
  • -8 Mickelson, Koepka
  • -7 Spieth, Reed, Henley
  • -6 Young, Hovland
Andrew-Wright
Andrew Wright
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THE LONGEST WEEK

I woke up this morning and first thoughts were to Tiger Woods, is he going to be seen at Augusta National this morning? No official news yet.

WEATHER UPDATE

Masters Wind Forecast for Augusta National 2023

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Lingering drizzle in the morning and breezy. Cloudy skies becoming partly cloudy by late the afternoon. Low: 44F High: 62F Winds: NE 14–18 G 25 mph.

The wind could be a huge factor today - meaning scoring could be tough at times.

WHO WILL WIN?

Odds for who will win the Masters 2023

(Image credit: oddschecker.com)

According to oddschecker.com Brooks Koepka is the odds on favourtie, but Jon Rahm is shorter than 2/1 - so the bookies are clear that they do not think that this is over yet.

REMINDER ON TIMINGS FOR THE DAY

  • Third round set to resume at 8am EDT/ 1pm BST
  • Round four set to begin at 12.30pm EDT / 5.30pm BST
  • Round four to be played in twoballs from two tees (1st/10th)
  • Leaders likely to start final round at approx 2pm EDT / 7pm

It is going to be busy! TV coverage will again be a little funky, so keep up to date with all the action here.

CURRENT STANDINGS

  • -13 Koepka
  • -9 Rahm
  • -6 Bennett (a)
  • -5 Morikawa, Fitzpatrick, Hovland, Cantlay
  • -4 Rose, Henley, Mickelson, Niemann, Young, Day
  • -3 Scheffler, Fox, Woodland

Koepka does have a 4-shot lead, but within minutes that lead could be down to two. Depending on how him and Rahm finish up on the tricky 7th hole.

WILL THERE BE A HOLE IN ONE?

Sunday is the day for a hole in one at Augusta... I have a hefty bet on that happening as well... so fingers crossed on a perfect shot later.

HELLO AND WELCOME TO DAY 4 AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of day four at The Masters!

I'm Ed Carruthers and I'll be here to take you through all of the build up to the resumption of play which is set to take place at 08:30 (EDT)/ 13:30 (BST)! 

It was a frustrating day at Augusta National yesterday, with the weather wreaking havoc on the golf course. 

After play was postponed on Friday thanks to inclement weather, our players battled to complete their second round on Saturday morning with Jon Rahm, Tiger Woods and Viktor Hovland all battling it out in the rain to advance the third round. 

That got underway later that afternoon, but we were treated to just a few hours of play, with some groups only just managing nine holes, before the elements became too much. 

Brooks Koepka still sits at the top of the leaderboard at -13, while Jon Rahm is hot on his heels at -9. Amateur Sam Bennett is still T3 after a stunning opening 36 holes. While Tiger Woods battled the torrential weather but slumped to nine over as play was halted. 

We're going to take a look at the weather forecast for Sunday, but first, here's a recap from Saturday at The Masters...

TODAY'S WEATHER FORECAST

So after a torrid two days of rain, it looks like the weather might pick up a bit later today. Some rain is set to come in early this morning but it looks like we could have a bit of sun later on towards the evening. 

Fingers crossed the rain stays off and we get a full day's play in...

The Masters Sunday Weather Forecast

(Image credit: BBC Weather)

AND THE DOORS ARE OPEN AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL!

We're hearing reports that the patrons are starting to make their way into the tournament grounds - which is great news in terms of weather! 

With patrons on the course, it is looking promising that we will get play underway at 8:30 (EDT)/ 13:30 (BST). 

Here's a couple of shots though of how bad the weather was yesterday afternoon at Augusta National.

Marshalls stop play as the rain falls

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Rain delays stop play at the 2023 Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Adam Scott and his umbrella at the 2023 Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson suits up in waterproof gear at the 2023 Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

BREAKING NEWS: TIGER WOODS HAS WITHDRAWN

Some sad breaking news now and Tiger Woods has withdrawn from The Masters. 

The five-time Masters champion was seen yesterday battling the elements on the course, but struggled during his round and looked to be in pain falling to nine under par after squeezing his way through to make the cut. 

SAD NEWS FOR TIGER WOODS

Right now we're waiting to hear the exact reasons for Tiger Woods' withdrawal, but it was a very tough day out on the golf course yesterday for the 15-time major winner. 

He started his day early on Saturday, looking to complete his second round and make a late break to make the cut. 

Woods sat at around +2 for most of the morning, battling the driving rain and showed his class throughout hitting some stunning approach shots, but slipped to three over towards the end of his second round, carding bogeys on both the 17th and 18th holes. 

It was a tense moment for Woods, who was in jeopardy of not making the cut, but in extraordinary circumstances, the 2019 Masters champion would make history and make his 23rd consecutive cut at the tournament to join an exclusive duo of Gary Player and Fred Couples, who are the only two golfers to do the same. 

Woods would have a break before going out for his third round yesterday afternoon, after a morning battling the driving rain. 

It was clear throughout his second stint on Saturday that he was struggling with some pain, with Woods appearing to limp around the course. 

He would get his third round off to a bad start with a bogey on the tenth, before steadying with three pars on 11, 12 and 13. 

He'd then make another bogey on the 14th before carding back-to-back double bogeys on 15 and 16 to take his score to nine over. 

With his body struggling in the elements, it is comes as no surprise that Woods has withdrawn this morning, but it is a sad day with the former World No 1 battling gallantly throughout yesterday's torrid conditions. 

WOODS WAS SEEN LIMPING AROUND YESTERDAY ON THE COURSE

While his reasons for withdrawing have not been confirmed, Woods has struggled with his injuries of late and was seen limping on the golf course yesterday as he battled in the torrential rain. 

WOODS WITHDRAWAL IS DUE TO INJURY 

Augusta National Golf Club has just confirmed that Tiger Woods' withdrawal is due to an injury. 

The 2019 Masters champion finished nine over par after carding after play was suspended yesterday. He had carded consecutive double bogeys on the 15th and 16th before rain stopped play. 

I'll have all the latest for you here as I get it. 

Confirmation: Tiger Woods Withdraws Due To Injury

(Image credit: Augusta National Golf Club)

LET'S CHECK IN ON THE LEADERBOARD

Okay so after the news that Tiger Woods has withdrawn, let's just quickly recap on the current standings after play was suspended yesterday due to inclement weather. 

Brooks Koepka extended his lead at the top of the rankings, but Jon Rahm is still hot on his tail, followed by the only amateur left in the field, Sam Bennett. 

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putter yesterday but recovered to go three under. 

While English golfers, Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick climbed up the leaderboard to go inside the top eight in the rankings. 

Here's the top order as it stands...

Brooks Koepka -13 

Jon Rahm -9

Sam Bennett -6

Patrick Cantlay -5

Matt Fitzpatrick -5 

Collin Morikawa -5

Viktor Hovland -5

Justin Rose -4

Russell Henley -4

Phil Mickelson -4

Joaquin Niemann -4

Cameron Young -4

Jason Day -4

Scottie Scheffler -3 

Other notable scores...

Tiger Woods withdraws from The Masters finishing at +9

Dustin Johnson sits at +5

Fred Couples, the oldest player to make the cut at the Masters sits at +4.

'SO SAD TO SEE' - FANS REACT TO WOODS LIMPING

It was a tough sight watching Tiger Woods limping on the golf course yesterday and many golf fans took to Twitter to express their upset at seeing one of the greatest players of all time limp as he battled the rain. 

Read all the reaction here: FANS REACT TO WOODS LIMPING

'I AM DISAPPOINTED TO HAVE TO WD THIS MORNING', SAYS WOODS

Tiger Woods has released a statement on Twitter saying he is 'disappointed' to have to withdraw from The Masters after having again 'aggravating his plantar fasciitis'. 

"I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis," he wrote. 

"Thank you to the fans and to who have shown me so much love and support. Good luck to the players today!" 

CAN BROOKS KOEPKA CLAIM HIS FIRST GREEN JACKET?

Okay so, back to the leaderboard and Brooks Koepka has blazed his way to a stunning solo lead at the top of the rankings. He started yesterday at 12 under and managed to drop another shot in the rain with a well taken birdie on the second to edge one ahead of chaser, Jon Rahm. 

Interestingly, Koepka did find it hard to score in the wet weather, and comparing his first round to his third, the four-time major winner didn't drop as many shots, in his opening seven holes as he did on Thursday. 

The two-time US Open champion made two birdies on the second and third holes and one on the seventh during his opening round to get off to a flying start at The 87th Masters. 

But it was clear yesterday's conditions did hamper a lot of the scoring at the top order, with his playing partner, Rahm scoring a birdie, before shooting back-to-back bogeys on the fourth and fifth to go nine under through seven. 

Koepka, who won his second title on the LIV Golf circuit last weekend, explained earlier that he was actually glad that play was suspended despite holding a four-shot lead on Jon Rahm. 

“I’m not too concerned about playing 29 holes or however many holes we’ve got left,’’ Koepka said in the clubhouse. “It’s part of the deal. I’m pretty sure I’ll be up for it considering it is the Masters. So, I don’t think anybody should have a problem with that.’’ 

“I didn’t think about it at all,’’ Koepka said of the lead. “I’m glad we stopped. I think it was spot on. I’m OK with it.’’ 

Brooks Koepka smiles under an umbrella during The Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEVE! 

Today we are saying happy birthday to one of the greatest golfers of all time, Seve Ballesteros. 

The two-time Masters and three-time Open champion is one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, having also helped the European Ryder cup team to five wins both as a player and as a captain. 

His style of play was always a delight to watch with the Spaniard being one of the most influential figures in the game breaking a ton of barriers for the sport in so many different ways. 

He would have been 66 today. Gone but certainly never forgotten. 

CAN JON RAHM COPY SERGIO GARCIA AND WIN ON SEVE'S BIRTHDAY?

Interesting fact for you, Sergio Garcia won The Masters in 2017 on Seve Ballesteros' birthday. Is it written in the stars that fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm wins today on Seve's birthday? 

What a fantastic story line that would be! Rahm currently sits nine under, chasing Brooks Koepka at the top of the leaderboard, after dropping two shots yesterday with two bogeys in his final three holes before rain stopped play. 

Scoring is set to be low today, thanks in part to the saturated greens out there, and that will favour Koepka and Rahm at the top of the leaderboard. That will also mean we could be in for a massive duel between two of golf's biggest hitters. 

After coming off the course yesterday, Rahm gave his view of the suspension, and said he was 'feeling strong heading into Sunday. 

“I understand they’re trying to push us to play as many holes as possible, but it was very apparent when they tried to get the water out that it just wasn’t going to happen in our case,’’ Rahm said in response to officials sweeping water off the greens. 

“You can’t really say it was late because I don’t blame them for wanting us to play as much as possible. Now the elements are what they are. Early this morning it was very cold. 

“We enjoyed a couple holes without any rain, but those two holes at the end, 17 and 18, were two absolute monsters. Very happy to finish those even par. Kind of kept it going the rest of the day. 

“It looks like it’s good weather tomorrow, so we’re going to have good weather conditions and most likely a soft golf course. Yes, a lot of holes, but feeling good, feeling strong, and keep it going.’’ 

Jon Rahm stands a good chance of winning the Masters today on Seve Ballasteros' birthday

(Image credit: Getty Images)

MOST WINS ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR

On his birthday, we're looking back on some of the achievements made by the late, great Seve Ballesteros. 

He sits at the top of the rankings for all-time most wins on the European Tour. 

Seve, who won five majors in his golfing career, also amassed nine wins on the PGA Tour and five Ryder Cup trophies as a player and as a coach. 

Will fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm follow in his footsteps today? Let's find out as we're back underway at Augusta National!

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCITIIS? 

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from The Masters after re-aggravating his plantar fasciitis after he was seen limping around the golf course yesterday. 

But what is plantar fasciitis? 

It is a foot injury that is very common in golfers that affects a thick band of tissue called the fascia located at the bottom of the foot. It is commonly caused by repeated strain on the foot from walking long distances.

If it becomes too stretched, it can lead to small tears, which cause pain and inflammation in the heel and can, as we saw with woods yesterday, become very very painful. 

Woods announced late last year on Twitter that he had sustained the injury and had notably been trialling new golf shoes in a bid to mitigate the condition. If you suffer from the condition, you should definitely check out our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, for some excellent and supportive golf shoes that will help to limit foot pain on the golf course. 

Read more on Tiger Woods' condition, plantar fasciitis here: What Is Plantar Fasciitis? - Tiger Woods' Foot Injury

KOEPKA DROPS A SHOT! AND RAHM BIRDIES! 

Bad start for Brooks here, he's got off to a rusty start and has dropped a shot on his first hole back on the course. 

It goes from bad to worse for the four-time major champion as his chaser Jon Rahm has pulled one back to go ten under. 

There are just two shots separating the two today and boy are we in for a big duel later. 

SAM BENNETT STRIPES TEE SHOT LEFT

Sam Bennett is the third player to get us underway in the leading group, finding what appears to be the left side of the fairway with his tee shot. 

He's the only amateur left in the field and has been in fantastic form this week, going -8 through his opening 36 holes. 

He's dropped a couple of shots since then, with a tough start to his third round on Saturday, shooting back-to-back bogeys on the opening two holes. 

He's got a big hard hook to get himself to the green here on eight but is still in with a chance of par on the par five. 

Right now he's tied for third and remains ambitious over his chances of finishing well this week at Augusta National. 

And some of the other players in the field have been lauding him for his brilliance this week, including Max Homa...

CANTLAY LOOKING SHARP HERE

Patrick Cantlay is a player that we've not spoken about much here this week, but he has climbed his way back from a difficult two opening rounds to go five under through 13 in round three. 

He'll have a chance to drop another shot here on the 16 to push above Bennett, Hovland and Morikawa all level with him in third place. 

Patrick Cantlay drops to five under at the 2023 Masters in his third round

(Image credit: Getty Images)

FITZPATRICK DROPS A SHOT

Matt Fitzpatrick has dropped a shot to go back to four under par after bogeying the par three 12th hole. 

He put on a masterful opening nine holes yesterday climbing the leaderboard to shoot birdies on the second, seventh and eighth to climb to T3 in the ladder 

BENNETT RESCUES TO GO SIX-UNDER

Bogey'd the seventh, birdies the eighth! Bennett taps in a long putt to go six under at the top of the leaderboard after giving himself a lot to do from his opening tee shot. 

Viktor Hovland has meanwhile just made a bogey on the ninth, dropping back to four under! 

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO... I CAN DO BETTER

Jon Rahm cuts the deficit between him and Brooks Koepka with a stunning birdie putt from distance taking him to -11. 

But the American also has a birdie putt after putting his approach slap bang on the dance floor and makes no mistake in slotting home to maintain his two-shot cushion at the top of the leaderboard. He's now 13 under through eight. 

WE'VE GOT A REAL DUEL ON OUR HANDS HERE

Brooks Koepka (L) And Jon RAHM (R) on the golf course at The Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Rahm gets a massive break with his tee shot on the ninth. He swipes a huge fade round the corner to find the trees. But his ball bounces out miraculously and he does not look to be in too bad of a spot here, sitting on the fringes of the second cut. 

Koepka dazzles with his drive right down the middle. But looking at the shot tracer I think Sam Bennett might have just hit the pick of the bunch. 

MORIKAWA THINS HIS SHOT INTO THE TREES, WHILE FITZPATRICK GETS ONE BACK

Collin Morikawa finds the trees on the 10th! He'll have a tricky shot out from there. 

Elsewhere Matt Fitzpatrick shows his class with his wedge and stops the ball right at the pin on 13. He's just putted out to undo his earlier bogey to go back to -5. 

HERE'S SAM BENNETT'S BIRDIE ON 8

WOW! CANTLAY IS COMING GOOD HERE 

WOW! Patrick Cantlay has just played an incredible approach over the water on 15 to go within only a few feet of the hole. 

He's really making moves for the top of the leaderboard today! 

RAHM IN THE BUNKER WHILE KOEPKA ROLLS OFF

Jon Rahm finds the sand from his difficult lie on the right, which I suppose is not a bad spot to be in considering he was playing from the fringes of the pine straw. 

But he gets a reprieve at the top of the hill - with Brooks Koepka's ball rolling off the green after what seemed to be a pretty decent approach. 

Not much can separate the two at the moment. 

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH DUSTIN JOHNSON? 

The 2020 Masters champion is really battling here, but it's been a really difficult week for him. Dustin Johnson has just bogeyed the par four seventh, despite finding the green with his second shot on the hole. 

It means he'll go bogey-par-bogey in his last three holes, dropping to T51 at six over par for his third round. 

He had a really tough day on the golf course yesterday too with his front nine being a real mixed bag, scoring five bogeys, one doble bogey and two birdies. 

Interestingly DJ finished -1 after 36 holes but it seems the weather may have really had an impact on his game yesterday. 

Here's his score card so far...

Dustin Johnson's third round so far

(Image credit: The Masters)

RAHM SCRAMBLES AND MAKES PAR

John Rahm's brilliant chip out of the bunker helps him make par on the 9th. 

Meanwhile Koepka also saves for par after his shot rolled off the green. 

It's neck-and-neck. 

ADAM SCOTT SPLASHES DOWN! 

His hard work is coming undone here! The Australian has just carded a triple bogeyed the 15th hole after a pretty solid first shot. 

His approach finds the bank just off the green, but rolls into the pond! 

He chips back on from the recovery position but will go down by three shots from level par to +3. 

Tough times for Scott. 

Meanwhile Cantlay, his playing partner, takes full advantage of that excellent approach over the water to go -6, level with Bennett who has just saved par on the ninth. 

Cantlay was putting for eagle but had to settle for a birdie 

RECAP: TIGER WOODS WITHDRAWS FROM THE MASTERS WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from The Masters after re-aggravating his plantar fasciitis after he was seen limping around the golf course yesterday. 

But what is plantar fasciitis? 

It is a foot injury that is very common in golfers that affects a thick band of tissue called the fascia located at the bottom of the foot. It is commonly caused by repeated strain on the foot from walking long distances.

If it becomes too stretched, it can lead to small tears, which cause pain and inflammation in the heel and can, as we saw with woods yesterday, become very very painful. 

Woods announced late last year on Twitter that he had sustained the injury and had notably been trialling new golf shoes in a bid to mitigate the condition. If you suffer from the condition, you should definitely check out our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, for some excellent and supportive golf shoes that will help to limit foot pain on the golf course. 

Read more on Tiger Woods' condition, plantar fasciitis here: What Is Plantar Fasciitis? - Tiger Woods' Foot Injury

Here are a couple of my top picks of shoes to wear to alleviate plantar fasciitis! 

Cole Haan ZeroGrand Overtake Golf Shoe resting on the golf course showing off its excellent white and orange colorway

(Image credit: Future)
A stunning golf shoe that delivers comfort and support in spades

Specifications

Sizes: 6-12
Waterproof: Water Resistant
BOA options?: No
Colors: 8 (White/Orange; White/Black; White/Navy; White/Pink; Royal Blue/White; Black; White; Grey)

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly lightweight
+
Stylish design
+
Easily worn on and off course
+
Soft, supportive midsole

Reasons to avoid

-
Outsole is not ideal in wet conditions

Perhaps one of the most lightweight golf shoes on the market right now, the Cole Haan ZeroGrand offers a designer look but also delivers comfort in spades. When we say lightweight, we mean these shoes weight quite literally next to nothing and offer a very cool sporty look that will help you stand out as a serious player when you rock up to the course. In fact, we feel there's a lot of versatility on offer here and would feel very comfortable wearing these not just on the golf course, but in our daily lives as well. 

HOVLAND IS DROPPING DOWN THE LADDER, SO IS MORIKAWA

Viktor Hovland is going through a bit of a purple patch here. After being at five under at one stage yesterday, he's carded three birdies in his last six holes to drop back to three under through ten holes. 

He needs to find a bit of form to keep up with the leaders here. 

Collin Morikawa is also struggling here, dropping a shot at the tenth to go back to four under. He's just teed off on 11 and seems to have found the middle of the fairway. 

CANTLAY CLOSES THE GAP... AGAIN

It's seven under now for Patrick Cantlay as he taps in on 16 to shoot back to shoot-back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16. 

Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka has played a sensible shot here, but gives Rahm an advantage, chipping out from behind a tree to give himself a better approach to the hole. 

Rahm Meanwhile puts his approach within two feet of the green, but there's too much spin! The Spaniard's ball takes a massive divot but rolls off the green and down the slope. 

There are some very harsh pin positions out there today! 

Here's Cantlay's chance for an eagle at the 15th...

BIG PAR SAVE FROM BROOKS

After falling off the green, Koepka saves for par on the 10th with a stunning putt that curls from left-to-right. 

Rahm, meanwhile, has a similar putt but is up to the challenge, rolling in his putt for par. 

While this is turning into a nice duel, it seems the pair are having a great time on the golf course, laughing and smiling with each other, as Sam Bennett knocks in his par putt. 

HOVLAND GETS ONE BACK

Viktor Hovland has undone his bogey on the 10th to shoot a birdie on 11th. 

Could he make a late charge back up the leaderboard in his remaining seven holes? 

He certainly has enough time to do it, but let's address the important question first, what do you think of his mittens?

Viktor Hovland is currently -4 at the 2023 Masters on Saturday's third round

(Image credit: Getty Images)

FINAL ROUND TEE OFF TIMES 

So we will, weather permitting, hopefully tee off the final round at around about 12:30 (EDT)/  17:30 (BST). 

Players are set to tee off in pairs, as opposed to the three balls they're currently playing in.

The Masters leaderboard at Augusta National on Saturday of round three

(Image credit: Getty Images)

HOVLAND CHIPS IN TO GO -5! 

Birdie putts are flying in here at Augusta National! 

Viktor Hovland has gone back-to-back birdies to bring his score back to five under, chipping out from the back of the second cut on the par 3 12 to hole out for a stunning birdie! 

Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama joins him on five under par, after a remarkable climb up the leaderboard with a very cool birdie at the 15th. Let's not rule the former Masters champion out of this just yet. 

LOTS OF MOVEMENT - SO HERE'S THE CURRENT LEADERBOARD

  • -13 Koepka
  • -11 Rahm
  • -7 Cantlay
  • -6 Bennett (a)
  • -5 Hovland, Matsuyama
  • -4 Fitzpatrick, Rose, Henley, Woodland, Niemann, Day, Morikawa
  • -3 Schauffele, Fox

BACK-TO-BACK BIRDIES

It really was a stunning chip in from Morikawa on the 12th hole! 

SO WHO DO YOU ALL THINK IS WINNING THIS ONE? 

Rahm or Koepka? Well it is neck-and-neck at the top with little to separate the pairing. Both have scrambled well over the last few holes showing a lot of resilience in what has been a thrilling battle so far. 

But who do you think is going to win this one? 

Well our Twitter poll seems to say that Koepka is currently the favourite among 50.9 percent of our followers, while Rahm gets 34.2 percent of the vote. 

Some are even saying that someone else might make a late charge. Could that be Patrick Cantlay, who has shot up the leaderboard in the last few holes? 

Let us know who you think on via @GolfMonthly on Twitter!

SPEAKING OF CANTLAY, HE'S FALLEN ONE BACK OFF THE PACE

It's the curse of the commentator! Patrick Cantlay has just dropped back to six-under tied with Sam Bennett after bogeying the 17th. The American seemed to give himself a tough approach shot from behind some trees off his opening drive, but a stunning hook saw him find the back of the green. 

he had a long putt to the hole to finish for birdie, but as expected he couldn't quite hole it out, leaving the ball less than a foot from the hole. 

That's where it went wrong for the former FedEx Cup champion, who misread his subsequent shot to concede a poor three-putt on the 17th. 

Despite that it's been a fantastic round from Cantlay, who is now on his 18th and final hole for his second round. 

WOW SAM BENNETT TAKE A BOW

Sam Bennett steps up on the 12th and has floated a stunning tee shot over the water landing it within a couple of feet within the pin. 

What a week it's been for the young amateur golfer. He'll now have a putt for birdie. 

COULD IT BE A THIRD STRAIGHT BIRDIE FOR HOVLAND?

Stunning approach! Viktor Hovland has just striped a metal-wood nearly 200 yards right at the flag on 13. He'll have a long putt here to save yet another shot? 

THE DEFENDING CHAMPION IS IN THE CLUBHOUSE AT -2

Scottie Scheffler has finished his third round and is in the clubhouse at two under.

He'll have a lot to do to make up ground if he is to win back-to-back green jackets. 

Elsewhere, Tommy Fleetwood also finished up at +1, Dustin Johnson completed his round at +5, while Tony Finau is finished at level par. 

That's all from me for now, but I'm handing over now to Roderick Easdale who will be taking you through this afternoon's coverage! 

That shirt

I didn’t hate it. Mind you, I didn’t buy it either.

Koepka makes bogey at 12th

He missed the green back left on the par 3, A chip and two putts later he walks off the green now only one shot ahead of Rahm. 

Im four under for his round

He started on the 10th, so is now playing the front nine. He has just birdied the 4th hole having also birdied the 2nd. He is tied in 21st.

Koepka goes two shots clear

Rahm makes bogey on the par-5 13th to give Koepka a bonus. Rahm has now gone 4, 5, 6 on that hole.

Hovland makes four birdies in a row

He is now in third place on -7. This is thanks to birdies at 11 through 14, having made bogey on the 10th.

Bennett stalling

Sam Bennett is the fifth amateur to be in the top 3 through 36 holes at the Masters. None of the previous four broke par in their third round. Does not look like Bennett will either after his fourth bogey in the round, which came on 13. He has managed only one birdie to offset this, which came on the 8th. 

Fitzpatrick makes double bogey on 18

He cards 72 for a round that had promised more when he was standing on the 12th tee at 3 under for his round. He drops back to tied 17th.

Hovland's birdie run extends to five

Having made two birdies in his previous 33 holes. he has now made five in a row. He is now only four shots behind the leader.

Weather aids Bennett and Koepka

Both see their approaches to 15 hit the green and spin back and down the slope in front of the green, But whereas in previous years those balls would have been expected to trundle down to a watery grave, the damp grass this year has held both balls.

Rose birdies 18

No mean feat considering how tough this hole is playing in these conditions. The two-time runner up here moves into the top 10.

Birdie action from Hovland

Who needs a putter?

Koepka goes three shots clear

Both he and Rahm missed the green in the par-3 16th. Koepka almost chips in from the sand, but Rahm cannot make an up and down from the grass.

The roaring twenties

The past six Majors have been won by golfers in their twenties. This run would come to an end if Brooks Koepka wins. He is 32. But Jon Rahm is 28 and Viktor Hovland 25.

Should Koepka triumph he would be the seventh man to win five Majors before turning 33. The others are Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods.

Putting woes on 17 for the final group

Koepka par putt lips out from short range, Rahm's birdie putt looked allergic to the hole in its final stages, Bennett's birdie putt also went a wandering. The upshot is that Koepka drops a shot and his lead is now 2 over Rahm, Up ahead of then, Hovland finds the green with his second shot on 18.

Hovland finishes his third round

He makes par on the final hole and so that is a 70 for the Norwegian. He could still be in the final paring with Koepka if Rahm makes a mess of 18. Hovland is on -8, one shot behind second-placed Rahm.

That's the third round completed

Pars all round for the final group.

How they stand after round three

-11 Koepka
-9 Rahm
-8 Hovland
-6 Cantlay
-5  Matsuyama, Henley
-4 Bennett (a), Morikawa
-3 Schauffele, Reed, Rose, Lowry, Woodland, Day

Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka GettyImages-1480990899

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sir Nick Faldo picks the winning score

"The wind's still there, putting is awkward – 12 under definitely wins it."

How are the debutants doing?

Sixteen debutants had teed in up on Thursday, and six of them are still involved. This is how they lie going into the final round.

T7 Sam Bennett
T20 Ryan Fox
T20 Taylor Moore
T25 Sahith Theegala
T25 Tom Kim
T48 Mito Pereira

How near the lead are the winners normally after round 3?

How are the LIV players doing?

Of the 17 LIV Golf members who teed it up on Thursday, a dozen are left. This is how they lie going into the fourth round.

1 – Brooks Koepka
T9 – Patrick Reed
T15 – Joaquin Niemann
T20 – Phil Mickelson
T33 – Cameron Smith
T33 – Abraham Ancer
T40 – Harold Varner III
T40 – Talor Gooch
T40 – Thomas Pieters
47 – Charl Schwartzel
T48 – Dustin Johnson
T48 – Mito Pereira

Happy heavenly birthday to Seve

Seve In Green Jacket GettyImages-83119449

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The great man would have been 66. It doesn’t seem 12 years ago than he left us, but it is. He passed in May 2011. That year Phil Mickelson had chosen a Champions Dinner menu themed around Spanish dishes in honour of Seve, who unfortunately was too ill to attend.

Seve won the Masters twice, in 1980 and 1983, and was the first European winner. The last time Masters Sunday coincided with Seve’s birthday was in 2017 when his Spanish compatriot Sergio Garcia won – just in case Jon Rahm was looking for some inspiration.

Were we expecting too much from McIlroy?

Rory McIlroy seemed an obvious pick to many as a potential winner of this year’s Masters. He came into it on the back of a good performance in the World Match play, he was ranked second in the world and he knows how to win Majors.

Much focus was placed on whether he might finally complete the grand slam.

But this did overlook one perhaps salient point? The reason he entered this tournament needing to win to complete the grand slam was, by definition, because this is the Major he has not won. Maybe there is a good reason for that? This was year his 15th attempt at winning the Masters. The quickest he can now win it will be at his 16th attempt, but history is against him there. No first-time winner of the Masters, with the exception of Sergio Garcia, who did at the 17th time of trying, has taken that long to win a Masters.

Also those who have completed the grand slam – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – have tended to do so at a canter. The fourth piece of the jigsaw has not taken them long to slot in once the third was secured – at most it took three attempts. Back in back in 2014 Rory was one Major off a grand slam. He still is.

Also Rory has not won any Major since 2014.

There were good reasons to think this could have been Rory’s year. There were perhaps better reasons for believing why it would probably not be.

How likely is the World No 1 to win a Major?

Scottie Scheffler and Fred Ridley at the 2022 Masters ceremony

Scottie Scheffler and Masters Chairman Fred Ridley at the 2022 Masters ceremony

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Well it's not very likely this Major: Scottie Scheffler is tied in 15th on 2 under. But then it is  generally not as likely as you may think. Had Scottie Scheffler won he would have become only the second man to have twice won a Major whilst he was World No 1. The other chap? Well, need you ask – Tiger Woods, who did in 11 times.

Hole locations for the final round

The Masters 4th round hole locations in 2023

(Image credit: The Masters)

Mickelson’s Augusta mastery

After rounds of 71 and 69 Phil Mickelson fell back a little today with a 75. But he still is under par for the tournament and lies tied in 20th. His play this week is out of kilter with his form this season. In three LIV events he has failed to win even a solitary point towards their order of merit, after finishes of 27th, 32nd and 41st in the 48-player events.

Does one dare say it, but perhaps playing in LIV events does not really float his boat that much, but playing the Masters does?

Or it is just that Augusta National is a course he feels comfortable playing? Yesterday he made his 27th cut here. In the previous 26 occasions he did so, he went on to have a top-10 finish in 15 of them (and a top one three times). 

A top-10 finish this year would make him only the fifth man to finish in the top 10 in four different decades. He would join Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Ray Floyd, Bernhard Langer and Fred Couples in doing so.

Koepka to make a score?

If Koepka wins, he will become the 20th man to win five or more Majors. Can you name them? If you think you can, have a go at our Men Who Have Won The Most Golf Majors quiz.

Dressed for success

Button on an Augusta National Green Jacket - image for most winners at The Masters quiz

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The winner may be getting $3.24m, but most commentary focuses on the fact they also get a free jacket. And that jacket is one that they can’t even wear out and about in town.

The tradition of awarding the winner of the tournament a Masters Green Jacket began in 1949, although the Masters Green Jacket itself had been introduced in 1937. The idea was that Augusta National members would wear these jackets during the tournament so as to signal to those members of the public in needing of guidance who to approach.

The official colour of the Augusta National Green Jacket is ‘Masters Green‘. The jackets are single breasted with a single vent. The breast pocket and the buttons sport the club logo.

The jacket a first-time winner is given in the immediate aftermath of his victory is borrowed off an Augusta member with roughly the same build as the winner. Later the winner gets measured for a jacket which is made specifically for him.

A reminder of that prize money

The Masters prize money 2023

(Image credit: The Masters)

A surprising stat that suggests Koepka is not favourite?

Password reset

No matter how often I type it – and boy have I typed it a lot these past few days – it hard not to see Koepka as one of those passwords you get assigned which comprise a random collection of letters.

As Brooks could as easily be a surname as a first name, a nagging doubt persists that maybe someone entered it all wrong – that in the box where it said Christian name they typed the surname and in the box for surname they entered the password instead.

ALL IN BLACK

The weather has finally come good for us after a miserable couple of days. Phil Mickelson is working his way through the bag as he gets ready for a rare fourth round (ho ho). He'll be paired with Jordan Spieth which is one of the juiciest pairings away from the big guns at the top of the leaderboard. If you were on the property that would make for a fascinating follow. 

THE HEADLINE STATS

These have just been released by the PGA Tour... the top one is fairly ominous (unless you're a big fan of Brooksie)..

Koepka is 3-for-3 with the 54-hole lead/co-lead in major championships (2018 U.S. Open, 2018 PGA Championship, 2019 PGA Championship)

With a win, Rahm would become the only player with multiple major titles since the start of 2021 and the third player from Spain to win multiple men’s majors

With a win, Viktor Hovland would become the first player from Norway to win a men’s major

Sam Bennett ties the second-lowest 54-hole score by an amateur in tournament history (4-under 212) and at T7 is the first amateur in the top 10 after three rounds of the Masters since Deane Beman in 1964

AMATEUR HOUR

It's hard to over-emphasise what Sam Bennett is doing this week. In a tie for 7th going into the last round of the Masters. Utter madness..

- Ties the second-lowest 54-hole score by an amateur at the Masters Tournament (lowest: 210, Ken Venturi, 1956; other 212: Charles Coe, 1961)

- First amateur inside the top 10 after 54 holes at the Masters since Deane Beman in 1964 (T8)

- First amateur inside the top 10 after 54 holes in a major since Paul Dunne (1st) and Jordan Niebrugge (T6) at the 2015 Open Championship

- First amateur inside the top 10 after 54 holes in a TOUR event since Michael Thorbjornsen at the 2022 Travelers Championship (T7)

- Making fourth career PGA TOUR start (best result to date: T49, 2022 U.S. Open)

- No. 6 in PGA TOUR University Ranking (senior at Texas A&M)

 

THE CALM BEFORE THE..

There's no coverage at the moment as the players warm down, get fed and then warm up again ahead of the final round. We should get it done unless there's a lengthy play-off and it's still very much an open race given the conditions (and what's at stake). 

WHISPER IT GENTLY

Jordan Spieth has just birdied the first two holes and moves to -3.

SPECTACULAR SPIETH

The Masters app is one of the great wonders of the modern world. It's just informed us that Spieth's birdie at the 1st was from just a couple of feet and he very nearly eagled the 2nd. Two tap-ins, two birdies.

THE 2ND IS VERY DOABLE

Look out for some heroics as early as the end. The wind must be right as the players are comfortably finding the green with irons and are a long way down the fairway. And the pin is in that right-hand spot where the ball feeds down to it. Would love to see someone make a run at it and the Sunday pins are in their usual spots to encourage such a burst.

THEEGALA ON THE MOVE

Sahith Theegala is playing in his first Masters. He has just birdied three of his first four holes and parred the tough 5th to move into the top 10. Just a reminder, the top 12 and ties qualify for the following year's Masters.

'FIVE'

We're being shown the incident from Thursday where Koepka's caddie, Ricky Elliott, is seen mouthing 'five' to someone... pretty hard to fathom that he wasn't advising Gary Woodland's caddie. Plenty was said but nothing was done about it so let's move on.  

IS THIS A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

On a brighter note they've just shown Seve chipping in to win the '83 Masters. If you get a chance to watch that Sunday on YouTube, do so, it's cracking viewing. Forty years ago and it remains truly memorable. Seve would have been 66 today. If Rahm does pull it off then there will be plenty of very welcome chat about the maestro.

Sergio also won on this day in 2017 - and that was the last time we had a play-off.

FANTASTIC FALDO

It's easy to mock Faldo, and most of us have for decades, but he's been a very welcome addition to the Sky Sports team this week. He's plugged the gaps in the coverage brilliantly and added plenty to their output. He does add something different and there's definitely less cringeworthy moments. Been there done it, bought the jacket.

Lowry is out with 'Rosey' and old Shane has just slammed it in stiff to the bowl at the 1st. Coverage is slowly creaking into action...  

FROM PILLAR TO POST?

If Brooksie does pull it off then it would be a hell of a week... we all know he's a born leader but still.

RED AND GREEN...

Should never be seen. Rahm has his traditional Sunday red polo top under his grey knitwear. Equally unsurprising is that Lowry is all in black. 

THE BIG GUNS' FORM

These are Rahm's previous finishes around the National - 27-4-9-7-5-27 - so hardly surprising that he's in the mix here. 

Koepls has missed his last two cuts here but pushed very hard in 2019 when he was 2nd behind Tiger. That year he doubled the 12th and then eagled the next.

ON THE TEE, SAM BENNETT

This is sensational. Sam Bennett is due to play in an amateur event tomorrow..

HERE WE GO

Brooksie bids farewell to his team and is whisked away to the 1st tee in a buggy. Should he win he would move on to FIVE majors and alongside the likes of Seve, Peter Thomson and Byron Nelson (and ahead of Rory).

FORE PLEASE, NOW DRIVING

The penultimate group of Hovland and Cantlay are off. The Norwegian goes way left, maybe on the 9th fairway, while Cantlay nuts it down there.

Had a little flutter on the American (16-1) as found a few quid in an old account. 

LOWRY DOUBLES UP

Shane birdies the 2nd, as does playing partner Rose, and he's now up to -5. There are a lot of birdies flying around and there are also some blue skies. We deserve a cracking final 18 holes and it's set up very nicely.

Hovland didn't reach the other fairway and has to pitch it under the branches and he'll need to pitch and putt to save his opening par.

FORE LEFT!

I don't suppose it will bother him in the slightest but Koepka has just ballooned it way left with a fairway wood. Nerves, double cross, bad swing? Whatever it is, it's not the settler that he'll have been after.

Rahm also plays a 3-wood and is short and right but on the short stuff.

THE 1ST ALWAYS THROWS UP ALL SORTS

Hovland holes a beauty while Cantlay misses a short one at the 1st. Koepka is something like 210 yards away, and on the adjacent fairway, and he muscles one over the trees and onto the green. Rahm misses right... a lot happening in the early exchanges.

All four have missed out on the chance of feeding it into that bowl.  

SOLID OPENING PARS

Rahm holes a beauty of a 10-footer while Koepka's long putt finishes stone dead. After some wonky shots they'll both be very pleased to write down a 4 on the card.

Defending champ Scottie Scheffler has picked up a couple of shots to move to -4. He's been strangely irritable at times over the first few days but he's up into the top 10. 

THINGS ARE DRYING OUT

I wouldn't claim to be an expert on many things and sub-air systems are certainly not one of them. But there is some run in the ground and the players are sending it a long way down the 2nd.

Up ahead at the green Matsuyama, who we haven't heard much about, has just splashed it some dead. He and Henley will both make birdie.

Rahm and Koepka are sat quietly on the 2nd tee as play has backed up a bit. 

BOMBS AWAY

Koepka is miles down the 2nd, even caddie Ricky Elliott looked amazed, while Rahm carries the bunker and gets a kick forward. Not a great angle but he'll probably be able to use the ground to feed it down there.

Spieth out in 33, would love to see a few late fireworks. We're now into the Rolex Hour, life couldn't be any sweeter.

And there's been a huge cheer from somewhere?

OH..

That cheer was seemingly for Mito Pereira who pitched it in at the 13th for an eagle. Bit of an anti-climax and everyone's (second) favourite Chilean moves back to +6. Sorry about that.

THREE JABS

Hovland finds the par-5 2nd but then three putts it. Had a huge break on it but it was a misjudged first putt. Rahm finds the greenside trap and will be able to use the ground to feed it down there. Koepka has 248 yards in and he shoves it right into the sand.

Russell Henley is now up to -7 after a birdie on 3. He won't have been on many punters' coupons at the start of the week, or even today.   

WHISPER IT GENTLY (AGAIN)

Spieth rolls one in at 10, another birdie. He's ridiculous around here. He's six back but cue some chatter about demons and 2016.

Rahm and Koepka have around 10 and six feet for their birdies at the 2nd,

THE BOY OF SUMMER?

Here's that Henley birdie on 7

Rahm and Koepka both missed on 2, the American lipping out and Rahm not even threatening the hole

SPIETH JUST SENSATIONAL

Try and picture someone in Larry Mize country at the 11th but having to play it over sand and from further away. And then pitching it low and fast and stopping it a foot away. Spieth will head to the 12th tee in good spirits (and no doubt talking 10 to the dozen) 

THE LEAD IS NOW ONE!

Rahm pitches it up to 10 feet at the 3rd and rolls it in. That's two good putts already. No need for bias here but this would be bloody brilliant if he can pull it off. 

(THIS IS NOT A DRILL)... IT'S THE ROLEX HOUR 

In case we've momentarily forgotten this is the Rolex Hour on Sky. So no adverts. Instead we get to hear a lot about Rolex.

Cantlay carelessly three putts, Spieth is on board the 12th. And it's all happening in the Rolex Hour.

THINGS ARE CHANGING

Rahm is safely aboard the 4th which is a bit of a brute today, as per. Koepka comes up short and in the sand and not a load of green to work with. We could see another shot go here.  

Spieth threatens from 30 feet. Roll on the 13th. Henley slaps it through the 5th and faces a disgusting chip. 

PHIL CONTINUES TO THRILL

Mickelson is another freak (in a good way). He's just birdied the 12th and is into the top 10. Apparently didn't say a word at the Champions Dinner. His golf now doing the talking (not that that makes any sense).

ALL TIED AT THE TOP

Koepka misses, Rahm pars. Both players at -10. 

VIKTOR VIKTOR

Hovland has parred his first five holes and very few have been straightforward. To state the bleeding obvious he's right in this and his attitude looks spot on. Playing partner Cantlay is going backwards, three bogeys already.

Spieth will be taking on the 13th green by the way.

PLAYERS BATTLING AWAY

From 239 Spieth rifles a wood into the back bunker. Mickelson plays a beauty from a tighter line and will fancy the eagle putt which would send the place wild.

Rahm hates his approach to the 5th but he finds the front of the dance floor but he'll face a pretty rancid putt and one that others haven't managed to get anywhere near. 

Woodland attempts to use the backslope at the 9th from just short of the green and he looks a bit silly as it doesn't tumble back.  

ANOTHER TICK IN THE BOX

Our leaders both two-putt the 5th and secure their par 4s. That's nearly an hour and a half for their first five holes and there's been some waiting but it could be a late night. Which is fine. 

Rahmbo hits the front

A clumsy chip from over the back leaves Koepka some 30 feet for par and he is unable to convert, meaning Rahm leads on his own for the first time.

Is Spieth in the mix?

Spieth birdies 14 to get to six-under and withing four of Rahm. With the final group struggling, the 2015 champ could set a formidable clubhouse target. You'd think he'll need to get to at least -9 but he's well capable. The par-5 15th is next.

Rahm misses huge chance to go two clear

The atmosphere is building... everywhere but the final group. Rahm has an eight-footer to move two ahead but doesn't even threaten the hole. Koepka two-putts from distance to remain one back.

Up ahead, Scheffler has finally started holing some putts. The defending champ joins Spieth at -6 with a monster on 11. 

Sahith Theegala Woods

That is incredible. From a similar spot to where Tiger Woods hit that chip from on 16, Theegala creates his own slice of Masters history, hitting an almost carbon copy up the slope and down into the cup to move to six-under.

He goes wild, the crowd goes wild, there's nothing quite like it. Brilliant scenes.

So much happening

It's hotting up here as we approach the back nine of Masters Sunday, 2023 edition. Spieth is on the green in two at 15 with an eagle putt to get within two. Scheffler is in someone's back garden through the back of 12. Matsuyama is making moves. Cam Young has eagled the 13th. We could have a few contenders joining the title battle imminently. 

Spieth within three

It's not an eagle for Spieth but the birdie at 15 gets the Texan to -7. Mickelson follows him in for a four to get to -6. 

12th hole claims first victim

The first to fall foul of the treacherous par-3 12th is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. He takes a drop from the shrubbery through the back and does brilliantly to find the green but misses the bogey putt to drop back to -4 and out of it.

Touch of class

From about 40 yards, Rahm plays a delightful pitch to tap-in distance for an easy birdie at the 8th to move to -11. That'll put the pressure on Koepka who, after a horror tee shot, has about 60 feet to match his playing partner.

Amazingly, the American almost gets it to drop but the par means he is now two behind, having started two ahead. He needs to find something quickly.

Spieth saves par - but he needs birdies

Jordan Spieth finds the front trap on 16, taking birdie out of the equation. He splashes out to eight feet and does brilliantly to convert and keep his slim hopes intact. He'll need two birdies to finish and a prayer.

Koepka keeping Ryder Cup hopes alive?

This is an interesting ripple to what's happening here. According to Barstool's Dan Rapaport, Koepka will get full Ryder Cup points for wherever he finishes. Should he win and perform well in the other Majors he could be a shoo-in.

Phil The Thrill

Mickelson nearly dunks his second at 17 for eagle. He settles for birdie to get to -7. Vintage stuff. 

Playing partner Spieth also hits a dart into about 10 feet. It's must make and he's equal to the task. He's now -8 for the tournament, -7 for the day.

Final group scrambling

Rahm and Koepka have both got testy eight-footers left for par at the 9th, giving hope to the chasing pack. The American is up first and misses to drop to -8. What a horror front nine. 

Rahm next. He could put one arm in the Green Jacket here. Miles away. Back to -10. Two awful bogeys.

It's that time

Are you ready to be bored to tears by that famous cliche? Anything can happen on the back nine on Sunday at Augusta. We'll find out.

Oh Jordan

It would have been too easy just to hit the fairway and green on 18 and give yourself a putt for birdie, wouldn't it Jordan? No, instead you've got to sniper hook it into the trees and end up with 18 feet for par. He'll either middle it or be up and out of it before he's made contact.

Mickelson hits a pearler to about 12 feet to get to -8. 

Spieth bogeys, Mickelson birdies

It was a pairing that promised fireworks and boy did it deliver. Spieth misses his par putt (obviously) to finish -7 after a thrilling back-nine charge. He'll rue that third-round 76. 

Mickelson does what Spieth could not and converts for birdie and a 65 to set the target at -8. It's the lowest final round in Masters history for a player over 50. If you delve deep enough, there's probably a slice of history for every round completed. But that's the world we live in. 

Koepka hanging on

After a shocking drive and second on the 10th, Koepka does brilliantly to get up and down for par and stay within two of Rahm. Had he made another bogey it would have been hard to see a way back. As it is, he still has hope.

Young and Reed to -7

The vultures are circling, waiting for the Spaniard to show any sign of weakness. The latest to -7 are Reed and Young courtesy of birdies at the 13th and 17th respectively. 

Pars for final group

Rahm and Koepka safely navigate the tricky 11th with pars to hold station. Up next? You know the drill.

Mickelson: This is the most fun I can have playing golf

Phil has been talking to Sky's Sarah Stirk. Cover your ears Greg...

"This is as much fun as I could possibly have playing golf, the final round of the Masters. Regardless of the outcome this has been great. To compete is extra special.

"I do want to shoot low scores and continue to compete at a high level. If I can focus and work on my game and take advantage of this unique opportunity I have, I can do some big things in the game.

"We [the LIV players] are all really appreciative to be here. It's fun to continue to be a part of this great championship."

Rahm pars 12, Koepka's nightmare continues

Rahm hits the green and safely two-putts to remain -10. Koepka is a hair long and flubs a chip before battering his par putt five feet past. He makes the comebacker to remain (just) in touch at -7.

Scheffler ends defence with 70

A crazy four days comes to an end for defending champion Scottie Scheffler. He closes with a two-under 70 to finish -4. Had he been lukewarm with his putter he'd probably be in the lead, but alas, that's golf. A good defence all the same. 

We'll see him next in the Butler Cabin for the tradition like no other. Dreading it already.

Hovland had enough

Pace of play hasn't been great in the penultimate group. Viktor has decided to take matters into his own hands.

Reed to -7

The 2018 champion is loitering. He gets to -7 and within three with a birdie at the 15th. He'll need some help from Rahm if he is to have a chance you'd think.

Rahm moves three clear

Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm during the final round of the 2023 Masters

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Koepka does brilliantly to get up-and-down from the back of 13 for a birdie to get to -8. It's a step in the right direction but Rahm follows him in to get to -11 and three clear with five to play. He's closing in...

Spaniard puts the hammer down

Koepka has 30 feet for birdie on 14 and gives it a run but can't get it to fall before clumsily missing the par putt. That feels like his race run.

Rahm's low punch cut second dribbles out to three feet and he's got this to move four ahead. His putt catches just enough of the left edge to fall. He's got one arm in the jacket.

Reed's race run

The golf world can breathe a collective sigh of relief. A bogey at 17 drops Patrick Reed to -6 and officially out of contention. 

In the final group, Koepka hits the par-5 15th in two, while Rahm lays up and floats a wedge on to about 15 feet.

Koepka claws one back

The American two-putts for birdie to get back to -8 and within four of Rahm, who settles for par. It's the Spaniards to lose.

Better late than never

Brooks is keeping Jon honest here (and keeping the punters who backed him each way happy). A birdie gets the American to -9 and into solo second, three behind Rahm who makes a solid par.

At the last, it's the end of a magical four days for amateur Sam Bennett. He rightly gets a roaring reception and taps in to finish -2 and seal his status as the low amateur at the 2023 Masters. Take a bow.

Hovland to -6

It's been a disappointing day for Viktor Hovland but there's still pride to play for. From distance, he sinks a birdie putt on 17 to get back to -6 and into a tie for seventh.

Rahm four clear... again

Koepka can't save par from distance on 17, meaning Rahm's lead it back to four with just the 18th to play. 

But wait. The Spaniard is hitting a provisional on the 72nd hole. A late twist in the tale?

Hovland in the house

Close again but still no cigar for Vik. You'd fancy him to get over the line at one of these sooner rather than later but it won't be this day. He pars 18 for a closing 74 to finish six-under.

JON RAHM IS THE MASTERS CHAMPION!

What a performance, what a man. Jon Rahm pars the last to seal a four-shot victory and win the 2023 Masters!

Emotional scenes on 18

Rahm is met at the back of the 18th by his wife Kelley and two kids. Jose Maria Olazabal is also there to greet him in what is a fitting scene to end the marathon four days. 

An amazing moment between two Spanish Masters

A truly iconic scene at the back of the 18th green. Another chapter of Spain's history with this great tournament has been written.

Next up... the Butler Cabin

Don't go away, folks. The Green Jacket transition is fast approaching. It never ceases to amaze how often grown adults can struggle to slide two arms into a jacket without incident.

Thanks for your company this week

The jacket is on. Not the smoothest handover but a fitting end to what was far from the smoothest week at Augusta National.

Thanks for following along over these five days. It's been brilliant but exhausting. We'll catch you at the next big one. Until then, goodbye!