Charlie Smith
JON Rahm has defended his Spanish Open title to beat the record of Seve Ballesteros for the quickest Spaniard to reach five European Tour wins.
Golfing legend Ballesteros achieved his feat in 49 events, while Rahm only needed 39.
The 24-year-old’s second title in the national tournament in as many years was sealed with a five-shot victory over Rafa Cabrera Bello.
Barrika-born Rahm ended on a five-under 66 to finish 22 under after maintaining his five-shot lead going into the finale in Madrid yesterday.
Meanwhile, Samuel Del Val, the world number 1,413, finished third.
Rahm’s latest title is also his second this year after he won the Irish Open in July.
“In front of a home crowd, it’s always really hard for me to keep everything under control and to play the weekend that I did for them,” said Rahm.
“I can’t wait to come back next year and hopefully do it three times.
“It was unlike anything else. Spanish crowds love golf, they love us coming back.
“It’s hard to believe how many people come out here.”
Rahm has now overtaken Open champion Shane Lowry to top the European Tour’s Race to Dubai leaderboard, with seven events still left to play.
