The build-up for the Open de España presented by Madrid always throws up some interesting insights as it provides an opportunity to get the first impressions of the players who will be teeing it up from Thursday to Sunday at Club de Campo. The 2025 edition of the event is a special one because of the quality of the field, which this year includes a Sergio Garcia who has not graced the Spanish capital since 2019, when a stunning final round propelled him to a seventh-place finish.
After his practice round on Tuesday, when he played the nine holes he skipped on Monday, the Castellon native spoke to the gathered media at the tournament, who left in no doubt that he is excited to be reacquainted with the event, the course and the Spanish fans: “It’s amazing to play here despite the fact that I haven’t played in recent years, it’s an event that I’ve always followed and the atmosphere is incredible with the fans in Madrid, so I can’t wait to start and, hopefully I can give them something to enjoy”, said Garcia.
The Spaniard has 16 wins to his name on the DP World Tour and 23 years ago he added his name to the winners’ circle at this prestigious event. In 2002 a 22-year-old Garcia stunned the golfing world with a resounding four-shot win at El Cortijo in Gran Canaria: “I have great memories of that week, playing in the final group with Canonica and Rafa Cabrera made it special, and winning my national open at 22 years of age was thrilling. Hopefully we can do it again”.
Sergio Garcia’s passion for playing in Spain is reflected in his record; seven of those 16 wins came on Spanish soil, and this week he has his sights set on an eighth: “I’ve always said that it’s very special and exciting for the Spanish players to play here, and personally it’s always been a great motivation for me, besides the fact that I’ve done well. The stats show how good I feel here and how much support I get from the Spanish people. But every week is different, we all start from zero and I’m going to try and play well, enjoy myself, and put on a show”.
His last appearance in his national open was on the same Club de Campo black course, a classic layout he knows well that suits his game to a tee: “It looks better than ever, I was so impressed. It’s so well maintained and the changes in recent years have really taken well. In the practice rounds I’ve felt very comfortable on a course I’ve always liked and I hope to confirm that this week”.
The Spaniard, who eventually failed to make the European Ryder Cup team that won 10 days ago in New York, managed to find time to support his teammates and friends while also preparing for this week: “I watched them all three days, and although Sunday was a little nervier than we wanted, Europe’s victory was incredible and I’d like to congratulate them again. Those days at home were good for me to practise and make small changes, so my game feels good. The important thing is to give myself a chance of being up there at the weekend”.
