Jon Rahm had a chance to win the 2024 Spanish Open – in what would’ve been his fourth victory in the event – with an eagle on the final hole.
He couldn’t pull it off but did get a birdie-birdie finish to shoot a final-round 68. But then Angel Hidalgo missed his putt on the last and off to a playoff they went, tied at 14 under at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Madrid, Spain.
The duo were in an all-Spanish Sunday trio alongside David Puig, who, like Rahm, went to Arizona State, and like Rahm is a member of LIV Golf.
In the playoff Hidalgo and Rahm each made birdie on the first extra hole. On the second playoff hole, Hidalgo two-putted for the win. It wasn’t that long ago he was at the tournament as a fan.
“Two or three years ago, I was in the first tee, in the trees, supporting Jon [Rahm] without playing, I just come here to Madrid to see the tournament,” he said. “To be here and win the tournament is unreal. Oh, my gosh, it’s amazing.”
With Hidalgo in contention Saturday night, his family and friends hurried to be there for Sunday’s round.
“My best friend Paco and coach Jordi and my parents travelled this morning by train to be here for the tournament,” he said. “I wish my brother was here but I will make a video call now – probably he cries more than me, knowing him.”