In a thrilling finale, 26-year-old golfer Ángel Hidalgo claimed his maiden European tour victory at the Spanish Open on Sunday. Hidalgo edged out two-time major champion Jon Rahm in a dramatic playoff, sinking a birdie putt on the second extra hole to secure the win.
The young Spaniard had earlier missed a short birdie putt on the 18th hole, allowing Rahm to force a playoff. However, Hidalgo redeemed himself with a clutch putt in the playoff, sending the crowd into raptures.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” Hidalgo exclaimed. “I was surprisingly calm all day, even when I missed that short putt on the 72nd hole.”
Rahm, who had birdied the final two holes of his round, pushed his drive over the green on the first playoff hole, but chipped close and rolled in his birdie putt. Hidalgo didn’t miss his chance, sinking his short birdie attempt to take the lead.
On the second playoff hole, Rahm’s chip went awry, and Hidalgo capitalized with a precise approach shot, draining the winning putt to claim his first European tour title.
Hidalgo, who had never finished in the top three in 79 previous European tour events, held a two-shot lead over Rahm heading into the final round. He carded a 1-under 70, while Rahm shot a 3-under 68, including seven birdies and three in his final five holes.
Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for third after a scintillating 5-under 66, his best round of the week. “I played very well, but I still feel like I’ve left shots out there,” Fleetwood said. “It’s been a good week, so I won’t overlook that.”
Patrick Reed and Tyrrell Hatton shared 10th place, while Shane Lowry finished tied for 13th.
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