Jon Rahm’s commitment to the Open de España presented by Madrid
Jon Rahm has an obsession: growing golf in Spain – and he proves it year after year. The Basque is largely responsible for the fact that the tournament has grown to a magnitude that was unimaginable a decade ago. Last year, the birth of his daughter Alaia came during the week of the Open de España and, although he arrived later than normal, he made sure he did not miss the occasion. Neither did he hesitate to make his annual pilgrimage this year, even after the intense and emotional Ryder Cup in Bethpage.
“Whenever I have the choice, it’s my obligation, and it’s also a blessing. There’s no better food, the course is fantastic and the city is one of the best in the world”, he said. Rahm rewarded the fans with his best round of the week on Sunday, ending the tournament as the best Spaniard (tied with Ayora and Puig). There’s also no better ambassador than the Spaniard.
The tournament has consolidated itself as one of the best on the DP World Tour
The Open de España again attracted some of the best players in the world and has consolidated itself, on merit, as one of the standout stops on the European circuit. Stars like Shane Lowry and Patrick Reed were back after their respective debuts last year, seduced by the atmosphere of Madrid, the quality of the course and the warmth of the fans.
Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, the gastronomy, the weather and the charm of the capital is an irresistible combination and this year, Joaquin Niemann became the latest big name to discover the virtues of the event. He surely won’t be the last.
The bright future of Spanish golf
The legacy of Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm is more alive than ever. The new generation has already arrived. Angel Ayora has burst onto the international stage, leaving the sport in no doubt that the future of Spanish golf is in safe hands. At 20 years of age, the Malaga native has proved he belongs among Europe’s golfing elite: powerful off the tee, with a superb touch around the green and the kind of determination you might associate with an experienced pro. In his first Open de España as a professional he impressed everyone.
Penge, a winner with pedigree
Englishman Marco Penge dominated the tournament from start to finish to put the icing on the cake of a spectacular season. With 3 titles so far in 2025, the Horsham native is having a dream season. He was on the verge of making the European Ryder Cup team at Bethpage and if he continues in this vein it is difficult to imagine he won’t be in the squad at Adare Manor (Ireland) 2027. His agonising win in a playoff over Dan Brown, culminating with a wonderful birdie putt for victory, is further proof; he is a world-class golfer.
Penge has been dazzling the golfing world ever since his win in China in April, but in Madrid he has consolidated himself as the man to beat. His 376-yard drive on the 10th on Saturday, leaving the ball almost on the fringe of the green, has already gone down in the history of the Open de España.
