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Olazábal hoping Rahm can mark Ballesteros' birthday with Masters win
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Olazábal hoping Rahm can mark Ballesteros' birthday with Masters win

José María Olazábal believes it would be "wonderful" if fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm won the 2023 Masters Tournament on his hero Seve Ballesteros' birthday.

Rahm

Spanish golf great Ballesteros, who died in 2011, won the second of his Masters crowns 40 years ago and would have turned 66 this Sunday.

World Number Three Rahm has described Ballesteros as a "great hero" of his, and Olazábal - who like Ballesteros is a two-time Masters Champion - would love to see the 28-year-old become the latest Spaniard to don the Green Jacket on a special day.

Rahm is firmly in contention at Augusta National after following up Thursday's battling 65 with two front-nine birdies before play was suspended on day two.

Olazábal signed for a second successive 77 on Friday, and when asked about the prospect of the 2021 U.S. Open Champion winning The Masters on Sunday, he said: "Well, it would be wonderful.

"History is a little funny sometimes. It's the 40th anniversary - actually on Sunday that would be Seve's birthday.

"You know, sometimes the stars align, so hopefully he will be able to achieve something really special.

"Obviously he has the game. He has what is needed around here.

José María Olazábal

"He proved that yesterday, even after he started with a double bogey with four putts on number one, he managed to put a wonderful score.

"The competition is going to be high. There are a lot of guys that are going to put the pressure there, and you're going to have to be on your A game and do great things to win here."

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