Open de Espana 2025 Preview, Analysis & Tips
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 06 Oct 2025
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Jon Rahm is the headline act at this week’s Open de Espana. A three-time winner of the Open de España (2018, 2019 and 2022), he is bidding to surpass Severiano Ballesteros with a fourth victory and draw nearer to the record of Angel de la Torre, who won five titles in his national open early in the 20th century, between 1916 and 1925.
Rahm’s special relationship with the Open de España presented by Madrid has also produced some incredible records, including those of 2022, when Rahm was crowned champion after the lowest winning score in the history of the tournament: 259 shots (-25), an all-time record for the Open de España.
The Spaniard arrives fresh from playing a key role in Europe’s incredible Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black and is certain to enjoy massive home support.
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Rahm is joined by a number of fellow LIV golfers, including Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Tom McKibbin, Joaquin Niemann and David Puig.
Niemann, who is one of the most naturally gifted golfers on the planet, has won seven times on the LIV Tour since Feb 2024. This year alone he has picked up five titles and has been the dominant figure on the breakaway tour. While many LIV players complain about not being awarded world ranking points, Niemann has been keen to play in as many tournaments as possible in all parts of the world. I will be surprised if he does not contend this week.
Twelve months ago, Angel Hidalgo held his nerve at Club de Campo in Madrid to win, denying Jon Rahm his fourth victory in the tournament. But boy did he make it difficult for himself.
Double major champion Rahm birdied the last two holes, including a six-footer at the last to move to 14 under par. Hidalgo was left with a four-footer to win his first DP World Tour title but pushed it and the pair had to head for a sudden-death playoff.
They returned to the tee at the short par-four 18th. Hidalgo found the front of the green while Rahm hit his drive into the rough. Rahm was first in with his birdie, leaving Hidalgo needing to holing a six-footer to keep it alive and this time he drained it and back they went again.
Second time around Hidalgo found the fringe of the putting surface while Rahm went long and left and failed to hold the green with his second shot. Advantage Hidalgo, who duly chipped to 30 inches. It meant Rahm had to hole his third to keep the playoff going but he ran the ball four feet past and had to settle for a par, leaving his 26-year-old opponent to tap in for a life-changing victory.
Unsurprisingly, he was in tears at the end as he was embraced by his parents on the 18th green. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
It would be entirely understandable if Shane Lowry opted to put his feet up after his heroics in the 2025 Ryder Cup. But he is also in the field this week - and I will be rooting for him.
Tournament Winners
It was won in 2015 by James Morrison, in 2016 by Andrew Johnston, in 2018, 2019 and 2022 by Jon Rahm, in 2020 by Rafa Cabrera Bello, in 2023 by Matthieu Pavon and last year by Angel Hidalgo. There was no tournament in 2017.
The Course
Club de Campo Villa Madrid is a par 71 measuring 7,121 yards. Opened in 1956, it was designed by Javier de Arana. It is tree lined and puts a premium of accuracy from the tee.
Form Guide
Joaquin Niemann has been winning for fun on the LIV tour this year. He is a massively talented golfer and I believe is the most definitely the man to beat this week
Prize Money
Total prize money is $3.35m, with 5,000 Race to Dubai points going to the winner
How to Watch
Thursday, October 9, Sky Sports Golf, 1pm; Friday, October 10, Sky Sports Golf, 1pm; Saturday, October 11, Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm; Sunday, October 12, Sky Sports Golf, 11.30am
Open de Espana Picks & Tips
To win:
Joaquin Niemann. Has no weaknesses
Each way:
Jon Rahm. Home favourite
Each way:
Shane Lowry. Everybody’s favourite!
Five to Follow
Joaquin Niemann. Brilliant ball striker
Jon Rahm. Gong for fourth win
Shane Lowry. Looking for first win of 2025
Marco Penge. Having a fabulous year
Kristoffer Reitan. Makes birdies for fun
Five Outsiders to Watch
David Puig. Massively talented
Pablo Larrazabal. Desperate to keep his card
Jose Luis Ballester. Could be a superstar
Sebastian Desoisa. Gifted amateur
Rafa Cabrera Bello. Has shown some flashes of his old form
About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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