Jon Rahm took a major step toward securing his place at the DP World Tour Championship after a runner-up finish at the acciona Open de España presented by Madrid.
The 29-year-old battled compatriot Angel Hidalgo in a thrilling playoff on Sunday, eventually falling short on the third extra hole.
Despite the narrow loss, Rahm’s second-place finish vaulted him from 125th to 41st in the Race to Dubai standings, placing him inside the top 50 needed to qualify for the season finale.
“I gave myself a chance to win, which is what I wanted.,” said Rahm after the play-off defeat. “I gave it my all until the end, and I’m proud of myself.
“May he (Hidalgo) enjoy it. Winning at home, winning a Spanish Open with all the support that there has been.
“You could tell how much he felt it and how important it was for him. May he learn from these moments and enjoy them.”
This week, Rahm is competing in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and is also set to play the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters in two weeks – both weeks serving as great opportunities to acquire more R2D Points.
Should he qualify and opt to compete at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November, Rahm will be vying for a record fourth victory on the Earth Course, where he has established himself as the most successful player in the tournament’s history.
