Rafa Cabrera Bello will this week defend one of the most storied titles on the DP World Tour as Club de Campo Villa de Madrid plays host to the event where it all began at the 2022 acciona Open de España presented by Madrid. Here are your five things to know.
Rahm aiming for home hat-trick
Jon Rahm won this event in 2018 and 2019 and a victory this season would make him just the second man to win the title three times in the DP World Tour era. He would follow in the footsteps of the late, great Seve Ballesteros and Rahm has spoken many times about the inspiration he takes from the career of his trailblazing countryman. Rahm’s first two victories at Centro Nacional de Golf and here at Club de Campo were his first two appearances in the event and he finished in a tie for 17th last season. The Major winner and former World Number One has often spoken of his desire to grow the game in his home nation and is sure to take huge crowds with him this week.
ʀᴀʜᴍʙᴏ ɪꜱ ʜᴇʀᴇ! 🤗@JonRahmpga | #AccionaOpen pic.twitter.com/Mz2WD0Fg9r
— Acciona Open de España presented by Madrid (@accionaopen) October 3, 2022
Spaniards dominate on home soil
Rahm was replaced as champion last time out by Cabrera Bello, the man he beat into second in 2019, and this event has long been a happy hunting ground for home heroes. Adri Arnaus finished second to Cabrera Bello after a play-off 12 months ago and Miguel Ángel Jiménez became the oldest winner in Tour history in 2014 before finishing second the following season. As well as Ballesteros' wins, there have also been home victories for Antonio Garrido - our first DP World Tour champion - and Alvaro Quiros since the event was the Tour's first ever in 1972.
More home heroes look to make history
While Rahm will arrive as favourite this week, he will not be the only Spaniard fancying his chances of extending the event's fine home record. Cabrera Bello will be full of confidence after winning 12 months ago, while Arnaus, after five runner-up finishes on Tour, finally secured his maiden victory at this season's Catalunya Championship. Jorge Campillo and Nacho Elvira both have victories to their names in recent seasons, while Quiros and Alejandro Cañizares have a winning pedigree of their own. Add in Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez, Santiago Tarrio, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia and a host of others, and the home fans could have plenty to smile about come Sunday.
A historic venue
Club de Campo Villa de Madrid officially opened in 1931 and 12 months later its golfing adventure began with the opening of a nine-hole course. In 1990 it hosted its first DP World Tour event and since then has hosted 11 more across the Open de España, Open de Madrid and Madrid Masters. Ballesteros' victory here in 1995 was his 50th and last on Tour and he is joined on the roll of honour by fellow Ryder Cup Captains Colin Montgomerie and Pádraig Harrington.
Start of the Iberian Swing
The DP World Tour is making it's third trip to Spain this season as it kicks off a three-week run in the country that could play a huge role in the future of many players. Matt Fitzpatrick, who currently sits second in the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, will tee it up as defending champion at next week's Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters as he looks to chase down leader Rory McIlroy and win a first Harry Vardon Trophy. The Mallorca Golf Open will then be followed by the Portugal Masters as the focus switches to those battling to keep their cards. Once again, the Iberian Peninsula will play a huge part in the history of European golf.
