. Jon Rahm: “I consider it my duty to play in the Spanish Open”

. Ángel Hidalgo: “It would be a dream to repeat the play-off victory, against Jon or against whoever.”

. Sergio García: “I’ve come to the Spanish Open eager to do well”

The most exciting Spanish Open presented by Madrid in recent times has the blessing of the goddess Cibeles, a privileged spectator of a unique presentation, right at the door of Madrid City Hall, where Jon Rahm and the current champion Ángel Hidalgo gave the symbolic starting pistol. 

“I want to keep winning this tournament, keep making golf history in Spain,” the Basque golfer declared, his recent Ryder Cup victory still fresh and his sights set on a possible fourth win at the Spanish Open. Ángel Hidalgo, with his characteristic wit, announced that “it would be a dream to repeat the victory in a playoff, against Jon or against anyone else.”.

Sergio García also joined the group of spokespeople for the event, in his case from the tournament venue, the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, where the Castellón native stated that “I’ve come to the Spanish Open eager to do well. Playing in Spain is always very special, it’s different. You only have to look at the fact that most of my victories on the European Tour have taken place on Spanish soil.”.

Backed by a field of golfers with sporting resumes full of triumphs, the tournament is already pulsating strongly in the hearts of all fans, eager to witness a top-level sporting spectacle that will take place on the famous Madrid course from October 9 to 12.

All eyes are now on the omnipresent Jon Rahm, the undisputed star of the Spanish Open, but also on the current champion Ángel Hidalgo and the rest of the qualified Spanish representation present in the tournament, with Sergio García at the forefront.

The international pedigree comes from important figures such as Shane Lowry, the hero of the recent Ryder Cup, Patrick Reed, Joaquín Niemann…, a lot of incentives to enjoy from the very presentation of the event.

There's no other option but to work tirelessly to cover all the bases. The atmosphere is rife with questions related to the deep historical significance of a tournament that stirs such passions. A possible fourth victory for the Basque player, which would surpass Severiano Ballesteros' three wins, is being discussed; there's anticipation of a potential sixth Spanish victory in the last seven years; attention is drawn to the 25-under-par total as a record for the Spanish Open, or the 61 strokes at the CC Villa de Madrid as the lowest round… records and more records that lend an extraordinary level of interest to a vibrant edition even before it begins.

On Sunday, after four days that are sure to be exciting, all these unknowns will be revealed, contributing, in a permanent loop, to further enhance the history of this exciting tournament in the future.

AROUND THE GREEN

Thursday – 9:30 a.m., 10th tee: Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry and Ángel Hidalgo

The action kicks off this Thursday, with two tee times, at 8:40 a.m. Just 50 minutes later, three of the most sought-after players—Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, and Ángel Hidalgo—will tee off from the 10th hole. The three will play 18 holes together on both Thursday and Friday. For those unable to be there, there's a wide range of other exciting matches to enjoy during two intense days leading up to what promises to be a spectacular weekend.

A very Spanish track record in recent times

Álvaro Quirós in the 2010 edition; Miguel Ángel Jiménez in 2014; Rafael Cabrera-Bello in 2021; Jon Rahm, three times in 2018, 2019 and 2022; and Ángel Hidalgo in 2024 are the latest Spaniards to appear in the list of winners of the Open de España presented by Madrid, seven victories in the last thirteen events that highlight the strong prominence of Spanish golfers in the last stage of the history of this important tournament.

IN FRONT OF THE MICROPHONE

Jon Rahm: “Without Seve there would be no Jon”

“I have to thank the Open organizers, because they make everything so easy for someone like me to come and just focus on playing and having fun. You have no idea the effort that goes into making the tournament happen. It's the best place to eat, they treat us wonderfully, and on top of that, we're in Madrid, which is a fantastic city with magnificent weather.”.

“I know for sure that without Seve there wouldn’t be a Jon, that’s why we’re remembering him so much these days. This week, the Ryder Cup, has been mentally the toughest of my career, but also the most fun. How we came together, how we prepared for the week… We were prepared for everything, but even so, I couldn’t believe some things, because it was a non-stop barrage of events. In my case, I heard all sorts of things at every turn, and if you missed a fairway, people would say the first thing that came to mind. It’s going to be hard to top the feelings of that week; only the 2031 Ryder Cup could do it.”.

“Without the wind, the CC Villa de Madrid is a field where you have to go with the idea of doing very little.”

“I always come back home because I want to keep winning this tournament and keep making history in Spain. I’ve been Spanish champion from Cadet to Senior level, and to keep doing it as a pro is fantastic. I wouldn’t be here without Seve, Chema, Sergio… so I understand that it’s my job, because I know that for many fans it’s the only chance to see me.”.

“I represented Spain for the first time in a Spain-Portugal match at the age of 13, and it has always been a source of pride. I hope that in 20-25 years there will be young players who tell me they started playing because of me. I couldn't say that to Seve, but I could to Chema or Sergio. I hope that at the Open in 20 years' time I'll share the tee with a promising young player who tells me something like that.”.

“I would like to see more Tour events in Spain, more opportunities to play and watch golf in Spain. I have no idea how that can be achieved. I hope that in the future there will be more support for this sport, that we'll have a Rolex award as a result of the support for Spanish sport. Just like we have F1, NFL, tennis…” 

Ángel Hidalgo: “My goal is to arrive on Sunday with a chance.”

“Last year’s victory changed my life a bit; it was incredible because of how it happened and the support from the crowd. On top of that, it was against Jon, one of the most important Spanish players since Seve. That made the victory even more special. In golfing terms, it hasn’t been my best year, but coming back as the defending champion is something special.”.

“For modern golf, it’s true that Villa de Madrid is a short course, but for me it’s better. It’s a course that can give you good birdie opportunities, but everything will depend on the wind.”

“It would be a dream to repeat the playoff victory, against Jon or whoever. It's going to be a long week, because defending the title at home is something new for me. The goal is to try to reach Sunday with a chance, because that's where the fun begins.”.

Sergio Garcia: “I’m still fit to play in the Ryder Cup”

“We had to suffer at the Ryder Cup, but in the end we achieved what we wanted, which was to retain the title, especially in a very hostile environment. My goal is to remain competitive so I can qualify for future Ryder Cups. I don't see myself as captain yet; that will come in its own time. I still see myself as a player and eager to give myself opportunities to play.”.

“The moment you say you want to be captain means you no longer see yourself playing, and I see myself doing it. There's the example of Justin Rose.”.

“I’ve come to the Spanish Open eager to do well. Playing in Spain is always very special, it’s different. You only have to look at the fact that most of my victories on the European Tour have taken place on Spanish soil.”.

“I remember my victory in the 2002 edition playing with the Italian Canonica and with Rafita Cabrera. It was a very important victory; I was only 22 years old.”.

“Yesterday I played nine holes and today I played another nine. The course is good, I feel comfortable on it. It’s a course I’ve always liked, so let’s see if I’m in good shape and can give myself a chance to win on Sunday.”.

Inmaculada Sanz, Deputy Mayor of Madrid

“This tournament has established itself as one of the most important of the year. As a humble 19-handicap player, it’s a privilege to be among these players. It’s important for Madrid that golf continues to grow, as it’s the leading women’s sport registered here and the second most popular overall. We’re in a positive moment that has placed us at the forefront of elite sports.”

Juan Guerrero-Burgos, President of the RFEG

“Jon Rahm has supported the Spanish Open from the very beginning, and that's something to be grateful for, because sometimes, like last year, he's come when things are at a critical juncture. The Open is the second oldest continental event on the DP World Tour, dating back to 1912, and it has been won by Seve Ballesteros, Álvaro Quirós, MAJ, Sergio García, Jon Rahm… That gives it great prestige. Arnold Palmer also won it, one of the men who transformed this sport into a golf industry, as did Seve, whom we've remembered with emotion these past two weeks. We're ready for a great week of golf.”.

Gerard Tsobanian, President of the Spanish Open

“The presence of big names is crucial, absolutely essential, because fans want to see the best golfers in the world. And among them all, Jon, whom we must thank for his six years of unwavering support for this tournament. He is the greatest representative of Spanish golf, and he's a draw for other great champions like Patrick Reed or Shane Lowry.”.