And the dream came true! Ángel Hidalgo conquered the ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madridwinning his first victory in the DP World Tour after a nail-biting final day. His victory was even more impressive as he beat Jon Rahmthree-time winner of the tournament and the crowd's big favourite. Rahm, world number one and considered one of the best golfers in history, did not make it easy for the player from Malaga, but Hidalgo knew how to keep his cool and prove his worth at a key moment in his career.
The ACCIONA Open de España is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Spain, with a long tradition that makes it an unmissable event in the golfing world. DP World Tour. This event, held at the Villa de Madrid Country Clubbrings together the best golfers in the world and, as in previous years, was the scene of thrilling competition. This year's edition was no exception, and the battle between Hidalgo and Rahm was one of the most talked about duels.
For Hidalgo, the final day began with uncertainty. After a bogey on the first hole, it looked like nerves might take their toll, but his fighting character quickly emerged. He responded with an impressive birdie on hole 2, especially memorable for his recovery from the fairway bunker. Despite some difficulties on holes 5 and 6, where he made two consecutive bogeys, Hidalgo showed commendable resilience. A key putt on hole 7 restored his confidence, which led him to close the first half of the round with birdies on holes 8 and 9.
His dynamic and emotional style of play kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The second half of the round was less eventful, but no less exciting. Hidalgo kept his cool and played strategically, taking advantage of the opportunity on the 13th and 14th holes to take a two-shot lead over Rahm and David Puiganother contender who had performed excellently during the tournament.
As the tournament progressed, the pressure mounted. Rahm, known for his ability to come back in critical situations, did not make it easy for the young Spaniard. In the final holes, Rahm made an impressive birdie on the 17th, which left everything to be decided on the last hole. Both players landed in the vicinity of the green after their drives, and the Spanish public was thrilled to see two of their own competing for the victory. Both came with putts of just over a metre for birdie, but the pressure was too much for Hidalgo, who missed, taking the outcome to the playoff.
On the first playoff hole, Hidalgo showed his best version. He hit an exceptional drive and managed to match Rahm's birdie, which extended the tension to a second playoff hole. On this, Hidalgo's shot was again decisive: with some luck, he left an easy approach that ended in a birdie. Rahm, on the other hand, missed his second shot and could not recover to make birdie. Victory was in Hidalgo's hands.
Angel Hidalgo's triumph not only marks a milestone in his career, but also symbolises the start of what promises to be a successful career. His ability to take on one of the best players in the world in such a thrilling final speaks of his talent, courage and winning mentality. The celebration with Rahm, with a hug full of mutual respect and a champagne bath on the 18th green, closed an unforgettable day for Spanish golf.
