The euphoria was very palpable at the official presentation, where all those involved showered praise on a tournament that brings together top-level players, on a venue with ample resources to challenge them, on a public that will once again overflow the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, and on an organization that has created such an intense and exciting atmosphere.

Flanked by the trophies of the British Open and the Masters, and proudly displaying its century-old history, the Spanish Open presented by Madrid cup has become an object of desire for all participants, a list so rich in nuances that it expands to unsuspected extremes the options of following matches of very high voltage.

Alongside Marco Penge, the current champion, are Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, Nicolai Hojgaard, Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari, Bubba Watson, Justin Reed, Ludvig Aberg… and a legion of Spaniards eager to have their names inscribed on the trophy's base.

That challenge has been met up to five times in the last seven editions, three times by Jon Rahm (2018, 2019 and 2022), once by Rafael Cabrera (2021) and once by Ángel Hidalgo (2024), the latest part of the successful history of a Spanish Open born in 1912 and which has already reached 98 editions.

IN FRONT OF THE MICROPHONE

José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid: “Golf has its own personality in Madrid, a city that ranks among the top five cities in the world for sports.”

“The Spanish Open is a major sporting event in Madrid’s calendar, where it’s very difficult to stand out: Formula 1, the Champions League final, tennis, basketball… there are so many events, and this tournament already has its own unique character. I agree that this is going to be the best edition yet.”.

Madrid is one of the top five cities in the world for hosting major sporting events, along with New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and that's because we've done things right. We've earned it. It's going to be a great week. The best is yet to come, and each year the tournament will get better because I'm sure the biggest names will want to come.”.

Gerard Tsobanian, CEO of the Spanish Open presented by Madrid: “We have taken the tournament to another level”

“I have a dilemma this year: I look at the participants we have and I don't know who I'm going to follow on the course, because there are so many big names. It's the result of the work that began seven years ago. The mayor always keeps his promises, and so did I; I promised to bring the best players on the circuit. We've raised the bar with these champions and the rest of the field. We've taken the tournament to another level.‘.

Juan Guerrero-Burgos, President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation: “We continue to strive for excellence”

“I hope we continue to fulfill our commitments for many years to come. This is the best Spanish Open I can remember, with players like those we have here today: we have the leader of the Race to Dubai, Patrick Reed; one of our own from the Federation, Ángel Ayora; and the reigning champion, Marco Penge. We strive for excellence to remain a leading Open in Europe, and this is thanks to Gerard and the mayor. I hope many fans come out to support the players this week.‘.

Marco Penge, defending champion: “I will never forget what happened last year”

“Madrid is one of my favorite places; coming here is always a pleasure, especially when I'm here to defend my title. Winning here last year certainly helped. For starters, I was able to play in the Masters. Last year is a memory I'll never forget, especially since this season has been complicated by injuries, but I'm back in a place I love and in a good position. I hope to entertain the Spanish fans.”.

Patrick Reed: “I like the atmosphere that is created in this field”

“This isn’t my first time here; I’ve been here several times, and I can say that I like this tournament. That’s why I keep coming back, that and because I like the city and the atmosphere that’s created here on this course.”.

Ángel Ayora: “I came here as one of the kids from the Blume center, and now I’m here, with Patrick Reed.”

“It’s always a pleasure to play my Open, especially on a course I’m very fond of. I played well last year, and I hope to continue in that vein. I hope my first victory can come at the Club de Campo. I was watching the guys from the Blume academy a little while ago, and I used to be like them, watching people like Patrick Reed on TV. Being here now is a real honor.”.