Sir Nick Faldo with Jon Rahm Masters claim: "Please write this in context"
Hall of famer Sir Nick Faldo has told GolfMagic why he hopes Jon Rahm doesn't defend the 2024 Masters at Augusta National.
Multiple major champion Sir Nick Faldo says he hopes Jon Rahm doesn't win the 2024 Masters.
Only three golfers have successfully defended the Masters title and decorated golfer Faldo, 66, is one of them.
The other two? Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66 and Tiger Woods in 2001-2002.
Faldo spoke to GolfMagic before the first major of the year where he made it clear he wasn't pulling against Rahm.
But the hall of famer very much enjoys being part of a club with such esteemed company.
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"I hope he misses defending," Faldo said. "I like my little club of three.
"Me being second to Jack, having been inspired by Jack... then Tiger is obviously in every record book.
"I’m not pulling against him, but I’d like that club to stay at three.
"Please write that in the right context… I’m sure he’s trying to do it."
Rahm's preparation for the Masters has looked decidedly different this year.
The reigning champion made the switch to the lucrative LIV Golf League last December for a reported £450m ($566.4m).
He is yet to win on the breakaway tour.
In 2023, he made the drive up Magnolia Lane having already won three PGA Tour titles but is now banned.
Rahm has also played 17 fewer competitive rounds this year than last.
Despite this, the golfer claimed in his most recent interview he was confident a LIV player would be victorious in Georgia.
As for his own game, he said: "I'm comfortable. I'm a little fresher, if anything."
Faldo, who won the green jacket in 1989, 1990 and 1996, wasn't so sure.
He said: "Has he had the right preparation? I bet he questions that. Obviously he’s experienced [and] he’s a hell of a player.
"But he knows he has to battle some guys he hasn’t played against all season.
"It all depends - you get out there, you get in a groove, and off you go.
"But hopefully, it’s not that easy to waltz around there and defend."
The Masters will be available on Sky Sports Golf and via a NOW subscription from 11th – 14th April, and you can follow all the latest news on Sky Sports social and digital channels throughout the week.
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