Ángel Hidalgo Triumphs Over Jon Rahm in Thrilling Playoff to Win Spanish Open

Spaniard Ángel Hidalgo claimed victory in a thrilling playoff against three-time champion Jon Rahm to win the Spanish Open in Madrid on Sunday. After both players birdied the first playoff hole, Hidalgo sealed the win with a two-foot putt following two extra holes.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Hidalgo said, “Two or three years ago, I was on the first tee, in the trees, supporting Jon—just here to watch the tournament. To be here and win is unreal. Oh my gosh, it’s amazing.”

Hidalgo and Rahm began the final day in an all-Spanish trio with David Puig, but Hidalgo’s two-shot overnight lead dwindled as he bogeyed the first hole while his competitors birdied it. Despite the setback, the 26-year-old steadied himself, finishing with a final round score of 70.

With Rahm’s strong finish, which included birdies on the 17th and 18th, both players ended regulation tied at 14-under par, prompting the playoff. In the playoff, after both birdied the first extra hole, Rahm struggled with a wayward tee shot on the second, allowing Hidalgo to capitalize.

“May he (Hidalgo) enjoy it,” Rahm said graciously. “Winning at home, 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.”