Alicante player Samuel del Val is by no means one of the most recognisable faces on the European Tour. However, today he demonstrated at the Open de España that when opportunities present themselves, he knows how to take them.
After a season in which he has become something of a globetrotter, jetting between China and Europe, where he has managed to make the cut in all 7 events that he entered, ‘Samu’ has now earned himself a spot on the podium at the Open de España.
On Friday he appeared among the leaders to reveal himself as the tournament’s surprise package. A round of 65 put the Spaniard in contention and he was able to make the most of moving day to play his way into the final group on Sunday.
In that privileged position, if there were any concerns he would fade into the shadows of Rahm and Cabrera Bello, they were non-founded. Four birdies and a bogey gave him third place on his own.
