Angel Hidalgo beats Jon Rahm in the playoffs to win the Spanish Open for his first European Tour victory

MADRID (AP) — Ángel Hidalgo birdied the second playoff hole to beat Jon Rahm and win the Spanish Open on Sunday for his first European Tour victory.

The 26-year-old Hidalgo had missed a short birdie putt on the same 18th hole to give his compatriot Rahm a place in the playoffs, giving the two-time major champion the chance to become the first player to win four Spanish- Won Open title. Rahm birdied the last two holes of his round at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

“Insane, absolutely insane,” Hidalgo said. “It was strange because I was pretty relaxed all day, even when I missed that short putt on the 72nd hole.”

After Hidalgo pushed his putt way out, the players found themselves back on the 18th for the first playoff hole. Rahm went over the green with his drive, chipped narrowly and then rolled in his birdie putt. This time Hidalgo didn’t miss his short birdie attempt.

On the 18th, Hidalgo narrowly missed the green and Rahm went left. Rahm had a bad chip and went over the green, while Hidalgo made him close again and completed the putt to claim his first win.

Hidalgo, who had never finished in the top three in 79 previous European tour events, entered the final round with a two-shot lead over Rahm. Hidalgo shot a 1-under 70 after making three bogeys in his first six holes and finished at 14-under 270 overall.

Rahm, the former No. 1, finished with a 3-under 68 and seven birdies, including three of his final five holes. It also had two bogies and a double bogie.

Rahm was five shots behind heading into Saturday. After the birth of his third child, he arrived late in the Spanish capital.

Rahm won the LIV singles title and was back in Europe to try to reach the minimum of four European tour starts required to be considered for next year’s Ryder Cup. He is allowed to play after appealing European tour sanctions imposed on him for playing on the LIV circuit.

Tommy Fleetwood shot his best round of the week with a 5-under 66 to finish in a tie for third place.

“I played very well. “I still feel like I missed shots, but it was a good week,” Fleetwood said. “I feel like I’m continuing to play what I would consider pretty good golf without quite achieving what I want. “But it’s been a good week, so don’t overlook that.”

Patrick Reed finished in a tie for 10th after shooting an even-par 71 with two double bogeys. Tyrrell Hatton also finished in 10th place after shooting a 3-under 68. Shane Lowry finished in 13th place after a 2-under 69 that included a double bogey.

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