Angel Hidalgo Wins Open De Espana in Playoff

Angel Hidalgo secured his DP World Tour card a couple of years ago.

Thanks to this week’s victory, he won’t have to worry about his status for the next few years.

In October 2022, Angel Hidalgo was in tears after earning his DPWT card. In September 2024, he defeats Jon Rahm in a playoff to win his first title at the Spanish Open. pic.twitter.com/BXsrzMUznu

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The crowd cheered as Hidalgo tapped in for birdie and burst into tears before being drenched in champagne by friends and colleagues. Rahm hugged him warmly as the 26-year-old greeted more family members, including his parents who had recently undergone surgery. It was a dream come true for Hidalgo, winning against Jon Rahm in a playoff at his home country’s open.

Proud Dad moment #AccionaOpen | @Angel_Hidalgo7 pic.twitter.com/PGEBDw5rny

Rahm missed with his chip shot and settled for par from three or four feet past the hole. Now it was up to Hidalgo again.

A GREAT DAY FOR THE DP WORLD TOUR

Rahm didn’t get free relief as the ball didn’t reach the grandstand; he flew his wedge shot through the green into rough on the other side. Meanwhile, Hidalgo chipped down the hill to kick-in range and seemed likely to make a three. It was now or never with a wedge for Rahm…

The fans are surely thrilled by this unexpected turn of events!

Hidalgo’s third attempt wasn’t perfect but it was okay enough, running along the rough line right of the green in front of bunkers. He fancied making a three at this point. Rahm drilled his drive left but it found rough again; it might even be in free-drop territory if it’s under the grandstand… Either way, Hidalgo now had an advantage.

ANGEL HIDALGO WINS THE 2024 OPEN DE ESPANA

“The greatest showman has won here in Spain!” The emotional scenes as Angel Hidalgo takes his first win on the DP World Tour pic.twitter.com/iKv3e4F74l

Hidalgo made a much better stroke than before and both players got birdies! His caddie fist-pumped towards the crowd as they headed back to the 18th tee on their golf cart.

Rahm rolled it in and now Hidalgo had to make it or lose…

BOTH FOR BIRDIE

Hidalgo’s eagle putt had good weight but ended six to eight feet right of the hole. Rahm’s lie in rough led him to scuff an eight-foot wedge shot. An easier putt awaited Rahm first.

This time around, Hidalgo hit perfectly along line but just reached front edge of green—a long way even for an eagle putt—while coincidentally Rahm blasted almost exactly same place as before making birdie earlier despite unhappy chip then learning lesson unlikely repeat mistake again expected make three so young pretender do?

NEXT UP: A PLAYOFF!

No! Hidalgo pushed birdie putt leading back down eighteen playoff chance historic fourth Open de Espana still possible for Rahm.