Spanish Open preview – 5 big storylines to watch in Madrid

The DP World Tour heads to Club de Campo Villa de Madrid for the 2026 Open de Espana from October 8 to October 11. Serving as the seventh event in the Back 9 series, the tournament features a strong international field competing for Race to Dubai points, Ryder Cup qualification standing, and major championship invitations. A central storyline is Jon Rahm seeking a fourth victory to break his tie with Seve Ballesteros.

The event offers a $3.75 million purse on the par-71 Black Course. Competitors include major champions Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Bubba Watson, and Francesco Molinari, alongside Tyrrell Hatton, Ludvig Aberg, and Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed. Defending champion Marco Penge also returns to the field, with key tour status and financial stakes on the line.