“I don’t know what I’ll feel this week because I’ve never had to defend a title”, came Angel Hidalgo’s response at a press conference during the presentation of the Open de España presented by Madrid. They were words of prudence, but the Spaniard’s trademark smile was very much still there.
The Andalusian caused an earthquake twelve months ago at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid when he beat none other than Jon Rahm in the playoff on Sunday. It was the greatest day of his life. This week he returned to the scene of his triumph, filled with hope and excitement. On Thursday he managed to grind out a -1 despite not playing well. But Friday he was less fortunate, firing four over par to miss the cut and the weekend.
Despite everything, Hidalgo never lost his smile or composure. The fans in Madrid bade him farewell on the 18th green with a huge ovation that he deserved ten times over. It was a fitting homage to an ailing champion, a gesture to soften the blow.
“I’m obviously grateful for the affection of the fans. The match I got was spectacular with Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry. You can’t imagine how nice Jon is. On the 15th he was encouraging me. Not many people do that, and it shows how great he is”, said Hidalgo after his round. “I take a lot of positives from this week. With the fans, for example. They really cheer you on and I can’t wait to come back. It’s the best week of the year and the most enjoyable”.
Regarding his game, Hidalgo admitted that he didn’t feel comfortable at any time this week. He also admitted that he’s struggling with his putting at the moment. “The tension of being champion didn’t bother me, having to defend the title. But nothing went right. Yesterday I played pretty well and nothing happened and today, without feeling that I played badly, I shot +4”.
“The putting is all in my head. I don’t know what happens to me whenever I pick my putter up. It’s not about pressure, I just can’t take the putter back. On the 15th I hit two very bad putts. I’ll have to look for someone to talk to about it, because from tee to green I’m hitting it pretty well, but then you have to putt… That’s golf though, things like that can happen. We’re human”.
