Oliver Lindell (-2) got off to a flying start at Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. The Finn moved into contention this morning at the Open de España presented by Madrid. Relying on some pinpoint iron play, he racked up four birdies in his first ten holes.
Lindell is playing his 62nd DP World Tour event this week and is still awaiting his first victory. It’s a stat that becomes even more striking if we include his record on the HotelPlanner Tour, the second tier of the European circuit: he has played a further 140 tournaments there without lifting a trophy. In total, that makes over 200 appearances across the two tours without a win.
However, there has been no shortage of opportunities. The Finn was a regular on the Challenge Tour for years before finally making the step up two seasons ago. So far, 2026 could be regarded as his breakthrough year. Two runner-up finishes, in Denmark and the Netherlands, along with four other top tens, have established him as one of the DP World Tour’s most consistent players this season and put him within touching distance of earning a place on the PGA Tour; he currently sits 12th in the Race to Dubai.
Victory, however, continues to elude him. It’s a story he knows all too well; during his time on the Challenge Tour, he also recorded three runner-up finishes without managing to convert any of them into a win. Could his fortunes change in Madrid? The 28-year-old golfer needs to break through that barrier as soon as possible, why not dream of doing it in the Spanish capital?
His opening round has once again put him in a position to challenge. Lindell held the lead for much of the morning thanks to those four early birdies. His driver was somewhat wayward, but he made up for it with some sublime irons and a number of classy chips.
His second on the short 17th was particularly impressive, finding the centre of the cup from off the green. Shortly beforehand, on the 14th, he came very close to sinking an eagle from 25 yards.
There is still a long way to go in the tournament, but Lindell has put himself in contention once again. The difference this time is that the setting is Madrid, and perhaps here he can finally secure that first victory he has been chasing for years. Has his moment arrived?
