Jon Rahm believes Spanish golf could be entering a new golden era as he prepares to make his debut at a venue where José María Olazábal was twice a winner.
This week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational once again takes place at Firestone Country Club, where Spanish great Olazábal claimed the NEC World Series of Golf in 1990 and 1994.
The 2012 Ryder Cup Captain was just 24 when he first lifted that trophy and Rahm is going for a third top three in three World Golf Championships events as he also enjoys a stunning start to his professional career.
The 22 year old has a PGA Tour win to go with his Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation title, while Masters Tournament winner Sergio Garcia has two wins, Rafa Cabrera Bello has tasted victory at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and Alvaro Quiros won the Rocco Forte Open - Verdura Sicily.
That represents an excellent return for Spain so far in 2017 and Rahm is delighted to be part of the Spanish surge.
"We're hitting a peak," he said. "We're getting close to one and then Sergio winning his first Major, me winning both Tours, Rafa winning again.
"I think it was Sergio's second win of the year. That's five wins for Spain this year. That's huge.
"It's been a great year and I have nothing to do but be thankful and humble about it. I know I've put some spotlight or some expectations on myself but that's always going to be good.
"I've played some good golf in the World Golf Championships, I'd take the positives from those. I played some really good golf so hopefully I can keep playing really good golf in the tournaments and keep the streak going."
Garcia's victory at Augusta National made him the third Spaniard to wear the Green Jacket and he is now looking to add a first WGC title to that maiden Major.
"This is what we work hard for, to be able to be in this kind of tournament and hopefully contend and win some of them," he said.
"It is exciting to be a part of them and hopefully we can play nicely, we can have a good solid week and have a nice chance on Sunday afternoon."
