LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm shows his true colors in defeat as opponent breaks down in tears
Jon Rahm narrowly missed out on winning a fourth Spanish Open title, falling at the very last hurdle to countryman Angel Hidalgo in a dramatic playoff on Sunday
Jon Rahm after losing to his fellow Spaniard in a dramatic playoff at the Spanish Open on Sunday.
Rahm sensationally birdied both 17 and 18 at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid to force the contest into extra proceedings, joining Hidalgo on 14-under. , which had him only two shots behind his countryman heading into the final round.
With the home fans chanting Hidalgo’s name, both he and Rahm headed back down 18 to commence the playoff. Despite Rahm finding the rough with his tee shot, and Hidalgo driving the green, both players made birdie and were forced to take the cart back down to the start.
Rahm again pulled his driver left into the rough but his approach was much more difficult. With Rahm then flying the green with his wedge, Hidalgo took advantage by chipping onto the green to give himself a relatively easy birdie putt.
Getting up and down, Rahm settled for par giving his opponent a chance to take the win. And that’s exactly what he did. Sinking the putt, Hidalgo – who broke down in tears after earning his DPWT card just two years ago – was instantly overcome with emotion and put his hands to face.
After an intense hug with his caddie, Rahm congratulated the victor by hugging Hidalgo and sharing a few words with him. It was a touch of class from Rahm in defeat, who would have been desperate to win the DP World Tour even for a fourth time.
Speaking after his win, Hidalgo said: “Two or three years ago, I was in the first tee, in the trees, supporting Jon – without playing, I just come here to Madrid to see the tournament. To be here and win the tournament is unreal. Oh, my gosh, it’s amazing.”
As for Rahm, he was only able to participate in the event due to appealing his fines from the DP World Tour on the back of joining LIV Golf. The Spaniard was vocal about refusing to pay his fines – and in the eleventh-hour lodged an appeal meaning he could continue to play on the tour.
It was an immediate boost for his Ryder Cup chances next year, with players needing to participate in at least four DP World Tour events a year to retain their memberships. Rahm playing in the Paris Olympics counted for one with this weekend’s second place at the Spanish Open counting as another. The 29-year-old is expected to play in the Dunhill Links Championship and the Andalucia Masters as his third and fourth events.