Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry and Marco Penge have each rounded off their respective Opens de España with under-par final rounds and top-20 finishes, providing three standout stories after a gruelling week at Real Club de Campo. The Swede finished 7th on -10 after a spectacular round of 66 (-5), whilst Lowry climbed to joint 13th on -8 and Penge finished joint 20th on -7.
For Åberg, who was competing in the tournament for the first time, the result holds special significance. The Swede finished in the top ten after an outstanding final day, shooting five under par, and showing throughout the week why he is one of the biggest names in world golf. A top-ten finish on his debut at the Open de España adds weight to the feeling that he is one of a select group of players destined to define an era.
Lowry, for his part, has once again demonstrated his ability to compete at the very highest level. The Irishman finished on -8 after posting another under-par round in the Spanish capital. The Open de España is now a regular fixture on his calendar and every year he speaks more highly of Madrid, to the point of describing it this week as one of the best cities in the world. His connection with the capital goes beyond golf; on Saturday he took the opportunity to visit the Bernabeu Stadium to watch Real Madrid take on Villarreal. Lowry cannot get enough of Madrid.
Penge’s story deserves special recognition. The Englishman arrived at Real Club de Campo to defend his title after playing in Utah, with a transatlantic journey and a nine-hour time difference making his preparation extremely difficult. Despite the fatigue and the difficulties he faced during the early rounds, he battled to make the cut and eventually found his best form over the weekend. His final round 68 (-3), saw him finish on -7, in 19th place. Given the circumstances, his title defence was more than commendable.
The big names have risen to the occasion at Real Club de Campo and lived up to the standards of an Open de España that continues to grow year after year. Åberg shone on his debut, Lowry once again proved his class and his connection with Madrid, while Penge defended his crown with extraordinary commitment. Three top-class names that reinforce the international stature of a tournament which, year on year, is gaining in stature, prestige and ambition. The Open de España is going from strength to strength and this week it has once again shown it is on a par with the biggest events on the calendar.
