Angel Hidalgo thwarted his fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm’s bid for a fourth Spanish Open title at the DP World Tour, securing his very first tour win with a play-off victory. The thrilling duel saw both players finish impressively tied at 14 under par, with Rahm making a late birdie push by acing the final two holes. However, Rahm’s errant tee-shot at the second extra hole paved the way for Hidalgo to shine as he chipped close and sank a short putt for the win.
The English duo of Tommy Fleetwood and Joe Dean, along with Scotland’s Grant Forrest, were part of a six-way tie for third place at 10 under, showcasing a competitive field. Hidalgo’s triumph was well-earned, as the 26-year-old had set the pace since his opening round of 65, captivating the home crowd with his fearless style of play. Despite facing setbacks with consecutive bogeys, Hidalgo rallied back with a bogey-free performance highlighted by crucial birdies, including a memorable flop shot over a massive greenside bunker at the 14th.
Expressing his joy, Hidalgo remarked, “To be here and win the tournament is unreal. Oh, my gosh, it’s amazing.” He attributed his success to playing smart and maintaining a strong putting game, basking in the momentous victory. Rahm, who battled illness leading up to the competition, graciously acknowledged Hidalgo’s achievement. He noted, “May he enjoy it… winning a Spanish Open with all the support that there has been, you could tell how much he felt it and how important it was for him.”
David Puig, the third player in the all-Spanish final group, held a three-stroke lead at one point on the front nine before ultimately finishing at 10 under. Forrest’s stellar closing round of 64 stole the show on Sunday, with Fleetwood and Sean Crocker of the USA posting 66 to share third place. Jens Fahrbring of Sweden rounded up the group at 10 under, showcasing a competitive and exhilarating tournament.
In the end, Hidalgo emerged victorious, denying Rahm a historic title and etching his name in the annals of Spanish golf. The competition served as a thrilling display of skill and talent, keeping fans on the edge of their seats till the very last hole.