Thrilling Open de España Playoff
Published by Bonnyton Golf Club in Golf News · Tuesday 01 Oct 2024
In an intense showdown at the 2024 acciona Open de España, Angel Hidalgo captured his first-ever DP World Tour victory, defeating local hero Jon Rahm in a dramatic playoff at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. Hidalgo's victory came after a closely fought battle that saw Rahm, the pre-tournament favorite and three-time Open de España champion, narrowly miss out on his fourth title.
Rahm, returning to the DP World Tour after joining LIV Golf, mounted a late charge with birdies on three of his final five holes, finishing at 14-under to force a playoff. Hidalgo, who also finished at 14-under after carding a one-under 70 in the final round, missed a four-foot birdie putt for the win in regulation but held his nerve in the extra holes.
The playoff saw both players birdie the first extra hole, returning to the par-four 18th for a second attempt. Hidalgo’s precision paid off as he got up and down from just off the green for a birdie, while Rahm could only manage par, sealing an emotional maiden victory for Hidalgo on home soil.
"It’s insane, absolutely insane," Hidalgo said after the win. "I felt surprisingly calm all day, which is amazing. This is for everyone who believed in me."
Rahm, who had been seeking a record fourth title at the event, was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Hidalgo's impressive performance under pressure.
Elsewhere, Spanish golfer David Puig and England's Tommy Fleetwood finished tied-third, while Patrick Reed, Tyrrell Hatton, and Shane Lowry were among the notable names finishing in the top 15.
The DP World Tour now moves to Scotland for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where Rory McIlroy is set to return to action.
Here’s a breakdown of the clubs Angel Hidalgo used during his playoff victory:
- Driver: Cobra Darkspeed LS (9°)
- Mini Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 (11.5°)
- Five Wood: Ping G430 Max (18°)
- Hybrid: Ping G430 (22°)
- Irons (5-9): Cobra Limit3D
- Wedges: Cobra Limit 3D (pitching), Cobra SB (50°, 56°, 60°)
- Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
