By Mathieu Wood
Jon Rahm has made no secret of the fact Seve Ballesteros inspired him to play golf.
A transformational figure in European golf, the late Ballesteros transcended the sport and his influence on future generations continues to be felt strongly.
After winning his second Major Championship at the Masters Tournament in April, Rahm declared “this one was for Seve” as he dedicated his first Green Jacket to his countryman.
In emulating Ballesteros 40 years on from his second win at Augusta National Golf Club, Rahm became the fourth Spanish-born player after Ballesteros, José María Olazábal and Sergio Garcia to win the Masters.
At this week’s acciona Open de España presented by Madrid, World Number Three Rahm can achieve something his hero never realised during his distinguished career – win his national open for a fourth time.
“I'm assuming I'm going to hear his [Seve] name a few times this week,” Rahm told the DP World Tour.
“It would be a true honour. I want to surpass him, but in a weird sense, I think with the great Seve, it's an odd feeling to think that I might be ahead of him in any category. But at the end of the day, it is what we strive for.
“Any time my name is anywhere remotely closely related to any of the great Spanish players, it's absolutely amazing.
“I keep thinking of that little kid back in Barrica growing up, learning how to play golf and thinking maybe someday to be living those days. It's very special.”
I want to surpass him, but in a weird sense, I think with the great Seve, it's an odd feeling to think that I might be ahead of him in any category.
The 28-year-old returns to Club de Campo Villa de Madrid aiming to successfully defend his title for a second time less than two weeks on from going unbeaten at the Ryder Cup for the victorious Team Europe.
“It's always incredible to play in front of your home crowd and I'm excited to defend my title at Club de Campo,” he said.
Reflecting on playing an integral part in helping Captain Luke Donald's team regaining the Ryder Cup, Rahm added: “I think it was the most enjoyable Ryder Cup I've had so far.
“I played good golf and the team ended up winning.
"It was exciting and exhilarating and when it comes to being part of the team, it was so special.
“Hard to explain what goes on behind closed doors, but that was about as much fun as a person as I can have because all those players, all those friends were absolutely incredible and you can feel those bonds strengthening on that same week, day by day."
Now, comes the time for his fifth appearance at his home open.
After claiming an emotional third title in the Spanish capital last year with a dominant six-shot victory, Rahm admitted drawing level with Ballesteros was a momentous moment in his career.
"It was the goal coming in; Seve is a great hero of mine and to do something he took his whole career to do in just a few years is quite humbling,” he said.
Rahm’s impressive record at this tournament first began in 2018 – on his debut – when he finished two strokes clear of Paul Dunne at Centro Nacional de Golf to win his third DP World Tour title.
He repeated the feat at his home event a year later, as the tournament moved to Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, storming to a five-stroke victory over compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello.
It secured him his fifth DP World Tour title in just his 39th start, surpassing Ballesteros, who reached that milestone on his 49th appearance.
After Covid-19 forced the tournament to be cancelled in 2020, Rahm was in contention once again in front of his home fans at the 2021 edition as he headed into the halfway stage one shot off the lead before finishing in a tie for 17th.
Earlier that year, Rahm had created more golfing history by becoming the first Spaniard to win the U.S. Open as he triumphed by one shot at Torrey Pines with birdies on the final two holes.
It wasn’t long before Rahm was finding the winner’s circle again in his native Spain as he produced a dominant display to win by six shots on 25 under-par.
A remarkable nine-under 62 in the final round, which included eight birdies, one bogey and a near-albatross on the par-five 14th, saw him match Ballesteros’ haul of three wins at his national open.
In addition, Rahm’s victory came at the same venue in which Ballesteros won his third Open de España title in 1995, and his 50th and final DP World Tour victory.
Another success this week would see Rahm, who is maintaining his 100 per cent playing record at his home open as a professional, take a step closer to the tournament record of Angel de la Torre, who won five times between 1918 and 1925.
With the local crowds set to turn out in their droves once again, Rahm won’t be in short supply of support as he looks to put on another great show in his homeland.
