Matthieu Pavon is currently at the centre of one of those stories that make golf such a special sport. A year ago he arrived in Madrid without having tasted glory in his 185 appearances on the DP World Tour. In Madrid, it all seemed to click into place, everything changed and his career would never be the same again. He is now an established player on the PGA Tour who knows what it is to win on the other side of the pond and sits comfortably among the world’s top 30 players.
In the build up to the tournament we sat down with the defending champion to talk about his experiences since 15 October last year, a day he will never forget. In 2024 he faces the challenge of defending his throne. The last player to do so in the Spanish capital was none other than Jon Rahm (2018 / 2019).
Matthieu Pavon, defending champion of the ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid… it has a nice ring to it. Considering your win at Club de Campo was your first on the DP World Tour, what did victory in Madrid mean to you last year?
My win in Madrid last year meant everything to me. It was my first win on tour. I’d been waiting for that moment for seven years, so you can imagine how big it was for me. I’ve been chasing it all my life, it was a dream come true. Even more so doing it here, in Madrid, at the Open de España. It’s pretty huge. I have Spanish roots, my grandfather was from Madrid, so this is a very special place for me to win my first tournament on tour.
You beat the field by a few shots, as if you were used to winning, can you tell us a little bit about how you dealt with the nerves and pressure of the final day, and the joy of holing out on the 18th?
Yes, the last day was very intense, with a lot of emotions. It was the first time I was in the last group at a tournament like this. I had to try and relax and be mentally strong. It was all very emotional for me. Winning here in Madrid was spectacular. My origins are in this country. I thought about my grandfather, who was from here. A lot of my family are from Spain. It was very significant for me to win here, I had to deal with so many emotions and battle to not get carried away with my feelings. That was the most difficult part of the day, of course.
Since your win in Madrid, your career has sky-rocketed, you won your PGA Tour card at the last minute and went on to win in America. You had a great US Masters and a Top 5 finish at the US Open, where you played in the final group. Would you have believed any of this a year ago?
Yes, of course, after I won everything happened pretty quickly. But honestly, when I went to America, I was looking to win a tournament there. Of course, it happened much quicker than I was expecting, but that was the goal. That was my goal this year. I felt capable of winning a tournament in America. It was just quicker than I was expecting. I have always worked very hard to achieve my goals. It was quicker than I thought, but it wasn’t a huge surprise.
You’re now in the world’s top 25, what has changed in your game and your mentality compared to the player who arrived at the Open de España one year ago?
To reach the top 30 in the world is pretty big. Honestly, nothing has changed in my game. I think the game is really the same. Maybe my mentality. I think I’m more focused and I handle my emotions differently. I think I understand myself increasingly better and that’s what has led to my success in America. I know how to stay calm when I have a chance to win tournaments and I think that’s what has made a big difference compared to last year.
You’re now arriving in Madrid as one of the favourites… how do you prepare mentally for a situation like this?
Yes, it’s incredible to come to Madrid as the defending champion. To be honest, nothing has changed. It’s just another tournament. We’re going to try and enjoy the week like I always do. It’s such a nice tournament. I love Madrid, I love this city. I love the place and lots of fans support me. The people are great and have great energy. My family will be there too. I’m hoping to enjoy the experience as much as possible.
Second in 2022, champion in 2023… what is it about Club de Campo Villa de Madrid that suits your game so well?
Yes, I’ve been very successful in Madrid in the last two years, at Club de Campo. I don’t know what makes it so special. Obviously, as I said, my Spanish roots help. I think I understand how the course should be played. I can really see which shots I should hit on every part of the course, on every green. Where I can be aggressive and where I have to relax and be patient. It’s something I really feel in my hands and in my game. I feel like I understand how the course should be interpreted. Maybe that’s why I’ve played so well in the last two years.
You recently made your Olympic debut, perhaps you were unhappy with the result, but was it a dream come true to do that at home?
Yes, definitely. The Olympics were huge. If I’m honest, I wasn’t really ready for that. I’ve played majors, but it was the first time I’ve experienced something so big. I was the centre of attention all week. 20,000 to 30,000 people mainly cheering on me and Victor Perez. So it was a special feeling for me. It was the first time in months I’d been back in France and I was playing in front of my people, at home. It was very special and I wasn’t ready for that. I felt like it was a Ryder Cup, but just for me.
With your Spanish roots, and having lived in this country when you were young, does this feel like a home tournament to you in a way?
Yes, as I was saying before, I love Spain. I lived in Seville, my brother was born there, my grandfather is from Madrid, so my origins are definitely in Spain. The Spanish way of life suits my style. I really like living here. I feel at home when I play in Madrid, I feel very comfortable. The people, the spectators, the fans are very good, very respectful, and I really enjoy the work I do every day on the golf course, with those people supporting me.
