Jon Rahm is back in contention at the 2025 Spanish Open after a sizzling 5-under 66 in Madrid.
The Spanish star bounced back from a slow start with seven birdies to move to within five shots of leader Marco Penge. Rahm is seeking his fourth win at his home tournament, already holding titles from 2018, 2019, and 2022.
Meanwhile, Shane Lowry’s strong Friday wasn’t enough to overcome a rough opening round, missing the cut by a single stroke. English golfer Marco Penge leads the field after another consistent performance, while players like Jeff Winther, Joel Girbach, and Aaron Cockerill are close behind.
Will Rahm’s momentum carry him to a record-tying win over Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros? Watch highlights, key moments, and analysis from the second round of the Open de España.
Keywords: Jon Rahm highlights, Spanish Open 2025, European Tour, golf results, Marco Penge, Shane Lowry, Seve Ballesteros, Madrid golf, golf comeback, PGA Europe
Imagine witnessing a golf legend clawing his way back from the brink of defeat only to find himself within striking distance of making history. That’s exactly what happened at the Spanish Open this weekend where John Rahm roared back into contention with a stunning performance that has fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets controversial. While Ram’s seven birdies on Friday reignited his quest for a fourth title, fellow Rder Cup hero Shane Lowry couldn’t recover from a disastrous opening day, missing the cut by a single stroke. Is this a sign of Rahm’s resilience or Lowry’s unexpected vulnerability? Let’s dive in. Rahm’s 5 under 66 on Friday was a masterclass in precision, propelling him to just five shots behind leader Marco Pen of England, who delivered a flawless round with four birdies. This comeback is particularly significant for Rahm, who opened his home tournament with a modest 72 on Thursday. Now he’s tied for 18th and eyeing a record-breaking achievement, surpassing the legendary Sevi Balisteros as the most successful golfer in Spanish Open history since the European Tours inception in 1972. But this is the part most people miss. Rahm’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. This marks his seventh appearance in Madrid with victories in 2018, 2019, and 2022. and a heart-wrenching playoff loss to fellow Spaniard Angel Hidalgo last year. Speaking of Hidalgo, the defending champion won’t be challenging Rahm this time, having missed the cut at three over. Meanwhile, Ping’s lead is anything but secure. He’s just one shot ahead of a formidable trio. Jeff Winther of Denmark, Joel Gearbach of Switzerland, and Canada’s Aaron Cockaril. With Rahm’s momentum building and the leaderboard tightening, the question remains, can Rahm close the gap and etch his name into G’s history books once again? Or will Pen hold on to claim his first major title? And what does Lowry’s early exit say about the pressure of post Rder Cup performances? Controversial thought. Could Rahm’s pursuit of Balisteros’s legacy be overshadowing the rise of newer talents like Pen? Share your thoughts in the comments. Is Ran’s dominance a testament to his skill, or is it time for a new era in
