The wait is over. After a year of preparation, everything is in place for the ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid to kick off. An incredible field of the best players in the world is ready to light up Club de Campo Villa de Madrid like never before.
The entry list this week is undoubtedly the best the tournament has ever seen in the Spanish capital. One player, though, stands out above the rest. Jon Rahm is bidding to make history at what promises to be one of the closest editions in recent memory. What better year to win his fourth Open de España and surpass his great hero, Seve Ballesteros?
However, it will be no walk in the park. Two major champions are making their debuts in Madrid: Patrick Reed and Shane Lowry have both added their names into the mix. They will both be among the favourites for the title. As if that weren’t enough, Tommy Fleetwood is returning to Club de Campo after claiming silver at the recent Olympic Games in Paris. Two Ryder Cup stars, Tyrell Hatton and Sepp Straka, have also confirmed their presence in the Spanish capital. These two ferocious competitors will further elevate the level at a tournament whose field will be the envy of many DP World Tour events this season.
Add to this the fact that last year’s champion, of course, will be coming to defend his title. Matthieu Pavon will be hoping to repeat his glorious 2023 outing after a stunning season on the PGA Tour, which included a ‘W’ at Torrey Pines early in the year.
As is to be expected, the Spanish Armada will be well represented at this passionate Open de España. A healthy group of home players will be bidding to steal the throne from the superstars who will be teeing it up alongside them. 24 Spaniards, as well as Rahm, will be in the hunt for the trophy. Among the home favourites are names such as Larrazábal, Otaegui, Campillo, Arnaus and 2022’s champion, Rafa Cabrera Bello.
From those 24, another name stands out, that of amateur Josele Ballester, who will be playing on an invite – and not without good reason. The Spaniard recently became the first man from his country to win the US Amateur. It may not be a coincidence that he studied at the same university as Rahm. There must be something in the water at Arizona, because they have an astonishing knack of producing incredible talents.
This year’s ACCIONA Open de España promises to be an unforgettable event, with the best field of players ever to grace Madrid. International stars, major champions and the elite of Spanish golf will all clash at a tournament that is already shaping up to be historic, from 26 to 29 September, at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. Don’t miss it.
