By Mathieu Wood
As Angel Hidalgo walked in readiness for a play-off with Jon Rahm at his national open, he did so with a glint in his eye. Whatever the result, there was an undeniable feeling he had already won the hearts of his nation.
Such was the expectant atmosphere in the grandstand around the 18th green at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, the 26-year-old didn’t need to energise the crowd any further by raising his arms but the cries of ‘Hidalgo, Hidalgo’ that rung loud in response told quite the story.
While he may have had his backers at the start of the week, Hidalgo was ending it with untold new fans.
Despite the disappointment of missing a five-foot birdie putt to win in regulation play, he gave the impression of someone relishing the opportunity of going up against one of Spain’s most successful players in recent decades.
Hidalgo, who was playing on the Alps Tour as recently as 2021, was bidding to overcome former World Number One and two-time Major winner Rahm, who was bidding for a fourth title at the acciona Open de España presented by Madrid. As commentator Ali Whitaker put it, this was a David versus Goliath sporting scenario.
So often in such an occasion, players can succumb to the pressure or nerves. That Hidalgo, who came into the tournament ranked 398th in the world, did not says a lot for not only his temperament, but also his ability.
Ever since his six-under-par 65 in the opening round, Hidalgo had impressed with his brave game style – highlighted by his no holding back approach with the driver, complemented by his short-game execution.
His chip shot over a greenside bunker on his way to a remarkable up-and-down birdie at the 14th during Sunday’s final round is one that deserves to be watched several times over.
A fan at this very event three years ago, Hidalgo was now the one creating the shots we all love to see. Rahm, who was humble in defeat, could only be impressed by what he had seen.
Ultimately, it was the ability to overcome the potential ‘what if’ moment of missing out on the title on the 72nd hole and refocus on the play-off that proved decisive.
His victory was met by an outpouring of joy. After an embrace with caddie and best friend Gonzalo, Hidalgo was met by players and friends before his parents greeted him.
They were moments that couldn’t help bring a smile and, for many, a tear to the eye – including Sam Torrance in the commentary box.
The victory has the potential to be career changing. With it, he has climbed from 88th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex to 18th and qualified for the season-ending DP World Tour Play-Offs.
Not only that, but he has also moved into contention to claim one of the ten PGA TOUR cards on offer for those otherwise not already in possession of dual membership status. Only seven Race to Dubai points separate him from Guido Migliozzi, who currently occupies the tenth PGA TOUR card.
While he already had two top-ten finishes prior to his victory, this would be the perfect time to enjoy a consistent finish to the campaign and he appears intent on doing so.
His breakthrough DP World Tour triumph has not altered his plan to play in all nine Back 9 events, with this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland next on the horizon, before visits to France, Spain again and South Korea over the coming weeks.
Having qualified for his Major Championship debut at The Open in July, there is still so much he can achieve before the end of the year.
Now up to a career-high 162nd in the world, his confidence should be brimming.
But it shouldn’t be forgotten that it was another accomplishment on home soil that first catapulted Hidalgo to consciousness both in his homeland and further afield.
Towards the end of the 2022, having played a combination of events on the European Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour, Hidalgo finished solo fourth in the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters at Real Club Valderama to earn his DP World Tour card for the following season.
While some may say that was just as big an achievement as his victory in the sultry Madrid sunshine, there can be no denying he has now truly etched his name into Spanish golf.
