In a play-off, Angel Hidalgo of Spain defeated fellow countryman Jon Rahm in a thrilling comeback to win the Spanish Open in Madrid and earn his first-ever DP World Tour championship.
Highlights of the match
After missing a birdie opportunity on the 18th hole to win in regulation, the 26-year-old made a short putt on the second extra hole to seal the title.
The three-time past winner Rahm began the last day of competition two shots behind his companion, who had held the lead since the opening round at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.
Hidalgo opened the way for Rahm with a one-under-par 70. Rahm concluded with back-to-back birdies in his 68, tying the score at 14 under.
After matching Rahm’s effort with a birdie putt on the opening extra hole, the world number 398 maintained his composure to defeat the man he admired. After his win, Hidalgo said: “Two or three years ago, I was on the first tee, in the trees, supporting Jon. Without playing, I just came here to Madrid to see the tournament… To be here and win the tournament is unreal. Oh, my gosh, it’s amazing.”
Rahm’s comeback after injury
In only his second appearance on the DP World Tour this season, Rahm came in second place after competing in the Paris Olympics, which was considered a European circuit event. He said that prior to the competition, he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed ailment and was only happy to be able to compete.
Rahm said: “Thinking that on Tuesday morning I was in hospital in another country, on the other side of the Atlantic, in the end, I’m happy… It’s a pity to have lost in the play-off, but I can’t say it has been a bad week.”
Rahm’s entry into the tournament was dependent upon his timely filing of an appeal against sanctions imposed by the DP World Tour for his involvement in competing LIV Golf tournaments supported by Saudi Arabia. To be eligible for the Ryder Cup team in 2025, the two-time major champion must continue to compete in four tournaments each season in order to maintain his membership on the European circuit.
Source: BBC