Jon Rahm “in a better mental state” for the Masters after birth of son

Spanish pro and world number three, Jon Rahm and wife Kelly Cahill welcomed their son on Saturday 3rd of April, just days before the first round of the Masters.

Rahm, 26, was prepared to drop everything and leave Augusta immediately should his wife have gone in to labour during the tournament.

He even went so far as to tell fans that they “shouldn’t bet on” him to win this year, assuming that he wouldn’t make it to the final round.

Luckily for those who hoped to see him compete, their son Kepa Cahill Rahm was born just in time for his father to spend a few days with him before leaving for Augusta.

A tough decision

“[Leaving] was the hardest part. Monday thinking about it, I’m like, man, I’m going to have to leave, and that was not easy whatsoever,” Rahm told reporters when asked about leaving his wife behind for the Masters. “For the first few days it was even hard to leave her room if she was doing something with him and I had to go somewhere else.”

He added that knowing his wife and son were both in good health and good spirits made the decision to go a little easier for him.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@jonrahm)

Paternal instincts kicking in

“I had never changed a diaper in my life, apparently never really held a baby in my life, and as soon as it was my turn, somehow I knew what to do, and those protective instincts, as well, just came in,” he beamed as he told reporters about his first few days of fatherhood.

When asked if he feels his lack of practice leading up to the tournament will negatively impact his performance, he said that he isn’t concerned about it.

“I went through a major life experience. If anything I’m just happier. I’m thankful to be here. If anything, definitely a different mental state, but I would say it’s a better mental state.”

Jon Rahm is set to tee off in the first round of the 2021 Masters at 15.42 BST.

Follow along with our live scoreboard.