Rahm refuses to back down

The 11th hole at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid proved a huge turning point for Jon Rahm on Saturday at the Open de España presented by Madrid. Just when things were looking up for the Barrika native, the most intimidating par 3 on the course had its way with him. The Spaniard was firing on all
Tagged under: ,

Puig does the impossible… twice

The first at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid is proving to be the toughest to negotiate at the Open de España presented by Madrid. On Saturday, the average score for the opening hole was 4.55, when it tripped up thirty-five players as they started their rounds. Add this to the fact that the 2nd hole
Tagged under: ,

The big guns at Club de Campo: Rahm faces an unfamiliar challenge

Jon Rahm’s distance off the tee is nothing new, he’s one of the biggest hitters in world golf and he’s proving it again this week in Madrid, where he is the third longest with the big stick in hand. Coincidence would have it, though, that the Barrika native finds himself in unfamiliar territory on Saturday.
Tagged under: , ,

The praise for the course keeps coming

The world of golf is a curious place; the more difficult a course setup, the more praise it seems to elicit from the players. In other words, if they have to grind for the 4 or 5 it takes to play18 holes, they come through the ordeal with more respect for the game. This is
Tagged under: , , , , ,

Much more than just a title: the triple-reward awaiting the Open de España champion

This Sunday is more than just one more day at the Open de España presented by Madrid. It is the final day, and it will culminate with the champion lifting the cup on an 18th green surrounded by throngs of fans. However, this year the tournament has an extra reward for the player who completes the 72 holes
Tagged under: ,

Rahm confirms he’s not human with an astonishing round

Jon Rahm’s wry smile on the 5th hole perfectly summed up his second round at the Open de España presented by Madrid. His birdie putt fell to the right, while seconds later Shane Lowry holed one from exactly the same place that broke to the left. On holes 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14,
Tagged under: , , , , ,

Penge stamps his authority in Madrid

It would be hard to find a more international leaderboard. Eight countries are represented in the top ten at the Open de España presented by Madrid and looking down on the rest is an imperious Marco Penge. The Englishman has consolidated himself as one of the favourites for the title. Not Rahm, not Lowry, not
Tagged under: , , , , , ,

A well-deserved ovation for ailing champion Angel Hidalgo

“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
Tagged under: , , , , ,

Wiesberger sets an example from the top end of the leaderboard

Bernd Wiesberger, the Austrian golfer who turned adversity into triumph, is playing some stunning golf at the Open de España presented by Madrid. After his second round, the European finds himself tied for second following a very solid day on the course. 10 birdies between Thursday and Friday find him on a total of -7. He is
Tagged under: , , ,

Patrick Reed and the curse of the Old Continent

Patrick Reed has had a prolific career in terms of titles and success stories, with more than 10 titles under his belt. A major champion, a Ryder Cup winner, he is the personification of triumph. However, there is something missing from the 35-year-old’s trophy cabinet. Patrick Reed has won in America. Patrick Reed has won
Tagged under: , ,