Along with his “batteries charged” once more after an exhausting Ryder Cup week, Jon Rahm is again residence to attempt to surpass idol Seve Ballesteros with a fourth Spanish Open title.
Rahm matched Ballesteros’ three titles by profitable in Madrid final yr, and he arrives because the favorite once more this week following a profitable — but emotionally gruelling — look on the Ryder Cup.
“The Ryder Cup week is completely different than some other. I used to be extra mentally exhausted than I’ve ever been in some other Sunday that I’ve performed,” mentioned Rahm, who received three factors to assist Europe defeat the USA at Marco Simone in Italy two weeks in the past.
“For me this week could be very, crucial. Final week clearly I needed to benefit from the Ryder Cup win, but additionally relaxation to be with the batteries charged for this event,” he mentioned.
Rahm can be making his fifth look in Madrid, along with his victories coming in 2018, 2019 and 2022. Ballesteros received the final of his 50 titles on the European tour on the Spanish Open in 1995.
“It will be an honour to surpass Seve,” Rahm mentioned Tuesday. “Any time you get your title alongside Seve’s title within the historical past of Spanish golf, it’s an incredible honour for me. He’s been the reference, and to get to 4 titles this fast could be unbelievable.”
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The third-ranked Rahm and No. 36 Justin Rose are the one gamers from the highest 50 on the sphere this week at Membership de Campo Villa de Madrid. Angel de la Torre is a five-time winner of the occasion, which had its prize fund almost double from a yr in the past to $3.25 million.
Greater than 40,000 spectators had been available over the 4 days final yr, and a good larger crowd is predicted this weekend with a vacation on Thursday in Spain.
“Clearly there may be extra stress and extra motivation to attempt to win at residence,” Rahm mentioned. “They need me to succeed and I wish to do properly for them.”
Rahm tried to distance himself from the controversies involving the U.S. staff on the Ryder Cup however mentioned once more that he would “pay to play” for Europe within the Ryder Cup if that was what it took. He additionally mentioned he hopes to see Spain host a Ryder Cup quickly, and that it will be a disgrace if Sergio Garcia couldn’t be concerned once more.
The European tour stays in Spain subsequent week with the Andalucia Masters.