Angel Hidalgo upstages Jon Rahm on his DP World Tour return at Open de Espana
LIV Golf superstar Jon Rahm denied Open de Espana glory as Angel Hidalgo captures his maiden DP World Tour title on home soil.
A. Hidalgo* | -14 |
J. Rahm | -14 |
T. Fleetwood | -10 |
J. Fahrbring | -10 |
S. Crocker | -10 |
J. Dean | -10 |
D. Puig | -10 |
G. Forrest | -10 |
*Hidalgo won at 2nd extra hole |
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LIV Golf superstar Jon Rahm was upstaged by his Spanish compatriot Angel Hidalgo who captured his maiden DP World Tour on home soil at the Open de Espana.
Hidalgo, 26, and Rahm, 29, could not be separated after 72 holes in Madrid.
Rahm trailed by two shots entering the final round but clawed back the deficit thanks to a 68.
After exchanging birdies on the first extra hole, the par-4 18th, Hidalgo sealed the deal on the same hole with a clutch birdie from three feet.
Hidalgo could not believe his achievement.
"Two or three years ago, I was in the first tee, in the trees, supporting Jon - without playing, I just come here to Madrid to see the tournament," said Hidalgo.
"To be here and win the tournament is unreal. Oh, my gosh, it's amazing.
"I was pretty relaxed all day, even the first tee, I don't know why. Even when I missed the short putt (at the first) - or this one, hole 72 - I was not discouraged.
"On the 8th tee, I thought David Puig is going to win the tournament by eight because he was hitting amazing, and Jon and myself made a few mistakes.
"That's amazing. That's for everyone that was there and believed in me, and yeah, my team, my family, especially my caddie, he's my best friend. I called him last year, I was struggling a little, and I called him and he stopped playing to carry my bag.
"And my grandpa yesterday was 80 years - well, he passed away a few years ago, but yesterday was his birthday. My best friend Paco and coach Jordi and my parents travelled this morning by train to be here for the tournament. I wish my brother was here but I will make a video call now - probably he cries more than me, knowing him."
Rahm was seeking a fourth win in the Open de Espana.
The two-time major champion was able to return to the DP World Tour having appealed his fines for having joined LIV Golf.
Rahm is required to play in at least four regular events outside of the majors to maintain his membership of the DP World Tour and also keep his Ryder Cup hopes alive.
He will also play in the Dunhill Links next week as well as the Andalucia Masters to fulfil his requirement.
Rahm's other counting event was the Olympics where he threw away a four-shot lead heading into the back nine only to not even finish on the podium.
Tommy Fleetwood finished in a six-way tie for third on 10-under par.
LIV Golf's David Puig was also on that score.
