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 with the fewest strokes.
The champion of the Open de España will automatically qualify for the US Masters and The Open in 2026, two of golf’s four majors. A look at the players left in this week’s field underscores the value of this prize; only two of them are already qualified for either of those events: Jon Rahm, who has a guaranteed place in both, and Patrick Reed, who already has a ticket to the US Masters.
With Rahm too far back in the pack (-4), the champion will now almost certainly claim the place in The Open. And if the winner isn’t Reed, they will also bag themselves a trip to Augusta, one of golf’s most hallowed grounds. Without a doubt, this will be a huge added incentive on a final day that will see Club de Campo flooded fans.
Never before at the Open de España has the champion received a prize of this magnitude. Lifting the trophy to the Madrid sky will not only mean adding their name to the roll of honour, it will also open the doors to two of world golf’s most iconic stages.
