Jon Rahm wins Masters as Brooks Koepka meltdown exposes ugly LIV truth

Brooks Koepka's final-round implosion at the Masters has highlighted a glaring detail about LIV golfers in their ongoing battle with the PGA Tour. The American started the final round at Augusta on Sunday with a four-shot lead from Jon Rahm, but ended up four shots back as the Spaniard won his second career major.

As many pointed out before the Masters, the issue for LIV players at the four golf majors appeared to be whether or not they could compete for 72 holes - given the Greg Norman-led LIV circuit features 54 hole-events only. The lack of competitive play over 72 holes appeared to bite Koepka in the backside on Sunday as he faded badly in the final round after a sparkling first three.

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Rahm, who plays on the PGA Tour, had no such troubles as he surged to the top of the leaderboard and watched Koepka tumble. After 14 holes in Sunday’s final round, Rahm had a four-shot lead at 12-under after bogeys from Koepka at No.4, No.6, No.9 and No.14.

The Spaniard maintained his play for the remainder of the round, winning by four shots from Koepka and Phil Mickelson - who both finished eight-under. Koepka ended up three-over in the final 18 holes, while Rahm closed with a three-under final round.

Koepka had seemingly been on track to be LIV Golf's first major winner, however the American couldn't buy a birdie. As Rahm moved to 10-under through nine holes in the final round, Koepka went 19 consecutive holes without a birdie.

Many were quick to highlight the fact that Koepka had faded after not playing a 72-hole event for months. "Poor Koepka, 72 holes did him in. This ain’t LIV buddy, you don’t get a trophy for three rounds," one pundit wrote. Another commented: "Could see the Brooks meltdown coming. When was his last 4 round week?"

Cameron Smith struggles as Phil Mickelson stars

Speaking before the tournament, Aussie star Cameron Smith was quick to shut down suggestions the 18 LIV players would struggle at the Masters due to the more relaxed nature of the breakaway circuit. "There's a lot of chatter going around about 'these guys don't play real golf anymore'. And I think it's B.S. to be honest," Smith said.

"It's important for us to go there, really show a high standard of golf which we know we're all capable of. "Most of us will get four cracks at (the majors) this year and hopefully we get maybe a win out of it. Maybe we just show a really hearty effort."

Unfortunately for Smith, Koepka and the LIV contingent, their fade-out at Augusta won't do them any favours. Runner-up at the 2020 Masters and third last year, Smith could only manage a share of 34th this time after finishing at four-over. The Aussie star closed with successive rounds of 75.

One LIV golfer who didn't seem to be affected in the final round was Phil Mickelson, who had earlier snatched the clubhouse lead after carding a seven-under-par 65. The 52-year-old made eight birdies on Sunday, including five in his last seven holes.

"This is as much fun as I could possibly have playing golf," Mickelson said afterwards. "The final round of the Masters, and to play the way I did and finish it off with two birdies – this has been a lot of fun.

"Regardless of the outcome, this has been a really fun day for me. I'm grateful we get to be here, to play and compete and be a part of this great championship, and to play like I did today was extra special."

with agencies

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