MADRID — Jon Rahm is again in Europe to attempt to win a file fourth Spanish Open trophy in addition to enhance his bid for Ryder Cup eligibility.
Will probably be the previous top-ranked golfer’s first European tour begin since he joined LIV Golf final December.
The Spanish Open that begins on Thursday is about to be Rahm’s first of three tournaments in Europe in September and October, which might see him attain the minimal 4 European tour begins required to be thought-about for the Ryder Cup subsequent yr.
Rahm has entered the Dunhill Hyperlinks Championship in Scotland and the Andalucia Masters in Spain — each in October. That might give him 4 begins as a result of the Paris Olympics additionally counts towards the minimal.
The Spaniard is being allowed to play after interesting the European tour sanctions towards him for enjoying the LIV circuit. He can play till an impartial panel decides if he should pay fines.
A former Masters champion , Rahm joined the Saudi-funded league late final yr for a signing bonus reported to be within the $300 million to $400 million vary.
Different gamers who defected to LIV, Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk, are going by way of the identical enchantment and are allowed into tournaments as the method performs out. Each are entered within the Spanish Open. Different LIV golfers anticipated to play within the Spanish capital are Eugenio Chacarra, David Puig and Patrick Reed.
Rahm was a late arrival to Madrid and skipped the pro-am at his residence match due to the start of his third youngster.
Rahm, who gained the LIV particular person title , didn’t play within the LIV Golf Workforce Championship final week due to extreme flu signs.
He’s making an attempt to turn out to be the primary four-time winner within the 52-year historical past of the Spanish Open. He gained the occasion in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
Matthieu Pavon is the defending champion within the match that this yr will embrace Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka.
“Profitable right here final yr modified my life,” mentioned Pavon, who gained his first European tour title within the Spanish capital.
Fleetwood and Lowry are enjoying their third straight week on the European tour. Straka is enjoying underneath his exemption as being on the final Ryder Cup crew.
Fleetwood seeks to maintain momentum
Since successful the Dubai Invitational in January, Fleetwood has completed third within the Masters, gained a silver medal on the Olympics and missed only one minimize.
“I feel you by no means know what’s across the nook within the recreation,” he mentioned. “One of many issues that I’ve been type of dissatisfied with this yr: I performed actually, very well and I’ve performed at a excessive, constant stage however I’ve at all times been half a step behind, if you happen to like, from contending on a Sunday.”
Lowry again in Spain
Lowry, Fleetwood’s Ryder Cup teammate, is making his return to the Spanish Open after greater than a decade. He’ll attempt to win his seventh European tour title. The Irishman gained the Zurich Traditional of New Orleans alongside Rory McIlroy in April.
“I really feel like I’ve finished that fairly a bit this yr however I clearly haven’t knocked one off but alone. Helped Rory over the road at one stage,” he mentioned. “I’ve obtained 4 tournaments left within the season and my most important aim for the following 4 tournaments is to attempt to get a win.”
