Jon Rahm may have been a favorite to win the 2023 Masters before play began, but it only took one hole before it seemed like he might not make the cut.
After winning his first green jacket on Sunday, Rahm shared the story behind his horrendous four-putt double bogey to begin play on Thursday. It turns out Rahm wasn’t really at fault here.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz is actually the one to blame.
Before Rahm teed off for the first round, the 28-year-old explained he got a text from Ertz telling him that the green on No. 1 looked easy and he should be able to get off to a fast start.
Whoops.
Rahm said Super Bowl winner and friend Zach Ertz texted him Thursday before he teed off and said something along the lines of, "That first green looking like a walk in the park." He double bogeyed.
Tells Zach thanks and not to do that again, "please."pic.twitter.com/amE8DTJWzf
— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) April 10, 2023
It turns out there were witnesses to this event — and they kept receipts, too.
No sooner than Rahm chided Ertz for his text messages did J.J. Watt tweet out the screenshots.
can confirm.
I think this means you deserve a green jacket @ZERTZ_86 #TheMasters https://t.co/RnWGkSwzcD pic.twitter.com/3ZJVAHtSMN
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 10, 2023
For his part, Ertz feels like he deserves a ‘thank you’ more than a scolding. Rahm may want to block his number now because the Cardinals star feels like Rahm’s good luck charm in major tournaments.
I apologize for absolutely nothing!
You can expect these texts every major going forward my friend!
Congratulations! https://t.co/6yBfy5bFx7
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) April 10, 2023
Little does Ertz know, Rahm knew he’d win the Masters back in 2013 thanks to a Panda Express cookie.