. Carlos Alcaraz to Shane Lowry: “I started three and a half years ago and I can’t quit golf, I play whenever I can.”

. Shane Lowry, Europe's winning putter at the 2025 Ryder Cup: "The great thing about golf is that it allows you to share experiences with top athletes from other sports."“

When the indomitable Carlos Alcaraz, after crushing the Italian Jannik Sinner in the memorable final of the recent US Open, executed a perfect swing with his tennis racket a few seconds later, directed at Sergio Garcia and David Puig, two of the luxury spectators who witnessed the extraordinary feat of the Spanish tennis player live, the energetic Carlos Alcaraz was at the same time sending a direct message to the organizers of the Spanish Open presented by Madrid.

Carlos Alcaraz had played just three days earlier in New York with Sergio García and David Puig, but his insatiable curiosity and ability to take on challenges demanded more. No sooner said than done, Carlos Alcaraz joined the spectacle of the Spanish Open presented by Madrid, acting as an extraordinary ambassador for the sport of golf on the very eve of the start of a tournament brimming with excitement.

The tournament organizers prepared an unforgettable experience for him in the ProAm: nine holes with Jon Rahm and another nine with Irishman Shane Lowrie, a dream round that will surely remain in Carlos Alcaraz's memory for life.

“I started playing golf three and a half years ago, and since then I haven’t been able to stop. I play whenever I can,” Carlos Alcaraz replied with his usual affability to a question from Shane Lorwy on the tee box. Then, their balls, one to the right and the other to the left on the 10th hole, followed different paths, but united by the goal they both set for themselves.

“Playing in Madrid is an extraordinary experience, a pleasure to be here. The great thing about golf is that it allows you to share experiences with the best athletes from other sports, and playing with Carlos (Alcaraz) has been a pleasure,” said Shane Lowry, hero of the European team in the recent Ryder Cup for his winning putt at the most tense moment imaginable.

Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, and Carlos Alcaraz spearheaded a day of action leading up to the start of an exciting Spanish Open presented by Madrid, packed with stars. Sergio García, in the following Pro-Am match, also displayed his sensational skill just hours before the start of the main event, where laughter and smiles will give way to fierce competition for the coveted title.

The six Spanish victories in recent years and the possibility of extending such an impressive record are palpable. Twenty-one Spaniards aspire to this feat, a squad of extraordinary quality to face off against another, no less extraordinary, from beyond our borders.

“I’ve come with the intention of making history in Spanish golf,” said Jon Rahm at the tournament’s official presentation. “It would be a dream to repeat my playoff victory, whether against Jon or anyone else,” noted Ángel Hidalgo, the reigning champion, referring to the heart-stopping final of the 2024 edition. “I’ve come to the Spanish Open eager to do well,” added Sergio García. These three statements, three aspirations among the many generated at this Spanish Open presented by Madrid, which is shaping up to be, once again, an unforgettable spectacle.

AROUND THE GREEN

Shane Lowry: “Alcaraz’s golf is better than my tennis”

This week Shane Lowry is enjoying a real rapturous reception. Understandable, considering he's fresh off his Ryder Cup victory as the European hero and exudes a charisma that captivates at first glance. On his first day of play at the Spanish Open, the Pro-Am, he already showcased that affability when talking about his experience with Carlos Alcaraz. ‘Sport has wonderful aspects, and it allows you to meet such important people as Carlos. From what I've seen, I can say with certainty that his golf is considerably better than my tennis.’.

Obviously, the Irishman alluded to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage—it's one of the week's main topics—noting that Sunday was "one of the toughest days" of his career, but also one of the best. "I definitely think it was better than winning the British Open," he added. He didn't want to give away too much about the subsequent celebration, but he did say it was "long and fun." And with good reason.

Furthermore, the Irishman commented that he expects to have a great week in Madrid – “it’s a spectacular city” – but he didn’t deny that “it’s not easy to change your mindset and return to a normal tournament after experiencing something as intense as the Ryder Cup.” Regaining that competitive edge will be one of his biggest challenges this week.

David Puig is not settling for a third-place finish.

This is David's third appearance in a tournament he has a good track record with. He debuted in 2021 with a 34th-place finish (while still an amateur) and climbed to third place last year. “This week I hope to continue on the same path. I'm not aiming to repeat that third place; I'm aiming to give myself a chance to be up there on Sunday. From there, we'll see,” explained the Catalan golfer. In 2025, the 'fireball' has played in five DP World Tour tournaments, making all the cuts and achieving two Top 5 finishes. David's winning debut is within reach.

An appointment at 9:30 this Thursday

At 9:30 a.m., tee time 10. Jon Rahm is scheduled to play the featured match there this Thursday against Shane Lowry and Ángel Hidalgo. It looks promising. For those playing in the afternoon, Sergio García tees off at 2:00 p.m. on the 1st tee against Kristoffer Reitan and Thomas Detry. Any other good matches to watch? For example, the one between Pablo Larrazábal, Joaquín Niemann, and Jordan Smith.

A clinic to get started

A week like this, dedicated to promoting golf in Madrid, could only begin with a clinic given by two top Madrid golfers—Álex del Rey and Luis Masaveu—for local children, a hundred students from the Villa de Madrid Country Club Schools and the Madrid City Council School. The professionals not only showed the kids their best shots, but also answered their endless questions. And they passed with flying colors.