Adhering to tradition is a major priority at Augusta National, and one of the most cherished traditions at the club is the Green Jacket Presentation Ceremony, when everyone gathers around the 18th green to watch as the previous year’s Masters champion places the green jacket on the newly-crowned champion .
Before that happens though, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley says a few words, and the tournament’s low amateur is honored. This year, that was Sam Bennett, who finished T16, two under par.
Then it was time for the main attraction. Scottie Scheffler was called to the podium, and he had the honor of slipping the green jacket over Jon Rahm’s shoulders.
Rahm then had an opportunity to address the crowd. After first thanking the club and Augusta National’s members for running a top-notch tournament, Rahm also extended his compliments to the volunteers, his fellow competitors and the grounds crew for preparing the course and ensuring a Sunday finish.
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Then, Rahm pivoted to address his family and friends, but elected to recognize his longtime caddie, Adam Hayes, first.
“I want to start with the man who spends more time with me than my own wife and kids: my caddie, Adam Hayes,” Rahm said. “You’ve been a role model to me, and you keep being a role model with your professionalism, your positive attitude and your work ethic. It’s pretty incredible the stuff he does out there. This event, and some of the things we’ve accomplished together definitely wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have him on the bag, so Adam, thank you.”
As the camera panned to Hayes while Rahm spoke, you could see Hayes holding what was presumably the 18th hole flagstick, and he appeared to be touched by Rahm’s public sentiments.
Hayes and Rahm started working together in 2016, and Hayes has been on the bag for all of Rahm’s biggest on-course moments. Rahm’s win at Augusta on Sunday was his second career major championship, his fourth victory in 2023 and the 11th win of his PGA Tour career.
Check out the full Green Jacket Presentation Ceremony, including Rahm’s speech at Augusta National, below.