With his “batteries charged” once more after an exhausting Ryder Cup week, Jon Rahm is again dwelling to attempt to surpass idol Seve Ballesteros with a fourth Spanish Open title.
Rahm matched Ballesteros’ three titles by successful in Madrid final 12 months, 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 different than any other. I was more mentally exhausted than I’ve ever been in any other Sunday that I’ve played,” mentioned Rahm, who gained three factors to assist Europe defeat the United States at Marco Simone in Italy two weeks in the past.
“For me this week is very, very important. Last week obviously I wanted to enjoy the Ryder Cup win, but also rest to be with the batteries charged for this tournament,” he mentioned.
Rahm will likely be making his fifth look in Madrid, together with his victories coming in 2018, 2019 and 2022. Ballesteros gained the final of his 50 titles on the European tour on the Spanish Open in 1995.
“It would be an honour to surpass Seve,” Rahm mentioned Tuesday. “Any time you get your name alongside Seve’s name in the history of Spanish golf, it’s a great honour for me. He’s been the reference, and to get to four titles this quick would be incredible.”
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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 Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. Angel de la Torre is a five-time winner of the occasion, which had its prize fund practically double from a 12 months in the past to $3.25 million.
More than 40,000 spectators have been readily available over the 4 days final 12 months, and a good larger crowd is anticipated this weekend with a vacation on Thursday in Spain.
“Obviously there is more pressure and more motivation to try to win at home,” Rahm mentioned. “They want me to succeed and I want to do well 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 could be a disgrace if Sergio Garcia couldn’t be concerned once more.
The European tour stays in Spain subsequent week with the Andalucia Masters.