Rafa Cabrera Bello arrives at Real Club Valderrama with a new found sense of confidence as he seeks a second consecutive win on home soil at the 2021 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.
The home favourite ended a four year winless run when he lifted the trophy at last week's Acciona Open de España presented by Madrid, prevailing in a play-off to add his professional national championship to the amateur title he had won in every age group from under-seven to under-18.
And he insisted he never doubted he would win again, despite slipping to 231st in the Official World Golf Ranking before lifting the trophy in the capital.
"It was a very, very special week," he said. "It’s a trophy I really, really wanted to win. For us Spaniards, nationally it’s the most prestigious event you can win. It’s definitely like a fifth Major.
"I’ve never thought that my winning career was over. I’m always working, trying to win more often.
I’ve never thought that my winning career was over. I’m always working, trying to win more often
"I’m aware some people think I should have won more but that’s not how my career has been. I’m working to try to win more often. Last week is going to help me gain confidence."
He now takes on one of the most formidable tests in world golf as he tees it up at this event for the first time in a decade, on a course rich in history.
"It’s almost like the Augusta of Europe," he said. "It is one of the most intimidating, if not the most intimidating golf course I’ve ever played.
"Shots don’t need to be good, they need to be perfect. Or as close to perfect as you can produce because the margin between a great shot and a bad one is very, very narrow.
"You have to be on top of your game. Whoever wins this week gains a lot of respect from players because we know how difficult a test this is. You can’t get lucky around this course. You have to play great.
"All Spaniards, or my generation, we watched this course on TV: the Ryder Cup, Volvo Masters, American Express.
"It’s a course that until you pick up the ball on the 18th green, there’s nothing guaranteed.
"It would mean a lot. There have been a lot of Spanish players who have had success here - my friend Sergio (Garcia) loves this place more than anyone else. I think this place was built for him because he’s done really well here.
"It would be really cool to join that legacy."
