With a four-shot advantage over Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm won the Masters in 2023. Rahm's triumph may have been even more convincing if it weren't for a text Rahm received from Super Bowl champion tight end Zach Ertz prior to his first round.
Rahm made a double bogey on the first hole of his opening round by making a four-putt. Rahm overcame the setback over the remainder of the weekend and won his first green jacket and second major of his career.
Rahm said after his victory that Ertz texted him 10 minutes prior to his tee time and said, "That first green looking like a stroll in the park." Rahm thanked Ertz and joked that the message had cursed him, pleading with him not to do it once more.
Ertz admitted the texts and stated he had no remorse, tweeting that he now plays for the Arizona Cardinals after winning Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles "I have nothing to apologize for! These texts will be sent to you regularly going the future, my friend! Congratulations!"
JJ Watt, another ex-cardinals player, also posted screenshots of conversations in the "Birdies and Babies" group chat between Rahm, Ertz, and Watt. Messages from Ertz to the group appeared to support Rahm's account "Jon, let's enjoy the day! Start quickly!" to which Watt responded, "Let's go, Jon!" Play along with Zach and me for a moment. The course record will be set by you!"
Rahm produced an incredible seven-under par in his opening round despite a double bogey on the first hole. He then added birdies to his performance on the next two holes. During the course of a chaotic four days, he continued his gradual ascent up the leaderboard and won the 2023 Masters with exceptional consistency.