Angel Hidalgo, a Spanish golfer, achieved his first ever victory on the DP World Tour in a play-off round, preventing Jon Rahm from garnering his fourth Open de Espana championship. Both golfers were tied at 14-under-par, however, Hidalgo triumphed after Rahm’s off-target tee-shot in the second extra hole allowed him to chip close and seal victory with a short putt.
British golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Joe Dean, and Scottish player Grant Forrest were part of a six-player grouping that tied for third place at 10-under-par. Irish golfer, Shane Lowry fell shortly outside the top 10, placing in tied 13th position following three consecutive rounds in the 60s. Despite making four birdies, Lowry finished with a six-under-par total after a double bogey on the 17th for a round of 69.
The 26-year-old victor Hidalgo, who had held the lead since his first-round score of 65, was praised for his daring playstyle and his ability to bounce back from consecutive bogeys on the fifth and sixth holes to end with three birdies, notably one after a high flop over a sizable greenside bunker at the 14th. Post-win, Hidalgo expressed sheer joy and satisfaction at his performance and appreciated his fellow competitor, Rahm.
Rahm, though happy to have participated despite battling illness prior to the tournament, recognized the significance of Hidalgo’s accomplishment. He congratulated Hidalgo who he could see was greatly touched by this victory, considering the significant local support he received.
David Puig, another Spanish player in the final group, had a promising start, leading by three at one point, but ultimately settled at 10-under-par.