This year’s ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid will be the fifth edition of the revamped event. Since Madrid Trophy Promotion took the reins of the tournament in 2019, one of the DP World Tour’s classic tournaments has enjoyed a new lease of life. In recent years, some of the best players in the world have competed in the Spanish capital, something which was the norm in the 80s and 90s.
With three Spanish victories in the last four stagings of the event (two for Jon Rahm and one for Rafa Cabrera-Bello), it is fast becoming a favourite for sports-lovers in Spain. Every year more and more spectators come flooding through the gates. Just as with tennis’ Mutua Madrid Open, this is largely thanks to the presence of the best players in the world, such as Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Matthieu Pavon, and of course a replete contingent of Spanish players.
Evidently, one of the big draws for the Spanish spectators is seeing a few of their own at the top of the leaderboard, something that has made these first editions under the direction of MTP even more special. Jon Rahm’s wins in 2019 and 2022 are etched into the memories of the local fans, because of his exploits at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid and his connection with the people, and because everyone expected him to win. Rahm, unfazed, delivered.
Rafa Cabrera’s victory, his last to date, was also special. It allowed the Canary Islander to complete his set of Spanish Championships, which he had won at every level as an amateur, only the jewel in the crown had so far eluded him. That week he played some of the golf of his life and finally etched his name into the Open de España trophy.
Last year, the Spanish Armada did not enjoy so much success (only Alfredo García Heredia made the top 10), but it was hugely significant for European golf, with Frenchman Matthieu Pavon claiming his first win on tour. The achievement went a long way to earning him a PGA Tour card and added a new dimension to his game. He quickly won on the other side of the pond and enjoyed some impressive outings at the majors.
As if Madrid Trophy Promotion’s revolution inside the ropes were not enough, it is also important to mention its commitment to sustainability, particularly since ACCIONA signed up as the main sponsor. Raising awareness among players, fans and staff at the tournament of the importance of looking after the environment, which is even more pertinent in a sport that has such a special relationship with nature, has become one of the event’s main goals.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the Madrid City Council, which has been fully behind the project since the start, aware of the impact an event of the magnitude of the ACCIONA Open de España can have on a global capital, in terms of tourism and, of course, the image of the city it projects around the world.
Round numbers are always worth celebrating, but this number 5 was preceded by four very special years. What might 2024 have in store for us…?
