There are tournaments that speak for themselves. In Japan, few have the prestige of the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, a November classic that has seen half the golfing Olympus parade through. Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Brooks Koepka, Luke Donald, Thomas Bjørn, Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington have all played and won there. A line-up that intimidates… and also explains why the invitation received by Alex del Rey is not just any invitation: it is an open door to a tournament with a lot of history.
Moreover, although only Seve has managed to win it (1977 and 1981), this tournament has a surprisingly Spanish heart. Spain has accumulated seven runner-up finishes in its history: three by Ballesteros himself, two by Sergio García and another two by Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño, the last in 2011. It was Gonzalo who was the last Spaniard to play the Dunlop Phoenix, back in 2014. A long ten-year absence. Until now.
The tournament has once again looked towards Spain and decided to invite Alex del Rey, who did not hesitate for a second. The Madrid native, who has admitted to Ten Golf that he has been in love with Japan for years, accepted the opportunity with a smile. The country brings him good vibes: last year he finished 24th in the DP World Tour event held on Japanese soil. It’s not a victory, but he feels comfortable.
It is no coincidence that this year another of the invitations has gone to Nick Dunlap, one of the emerging names in American golf. The Dunlop Phoenix not only seeks established stars, but also wants young talent with international projection.
For Alex, it will be a week to compete in a unique setting: a world-renowned tournament in one of the countries that cherishes this sport the most. For the Armada, a kind of reunion with a place where historically they have played very well and where the echoes of Seve, Sergio, Gonzalo… and now, perhaps, Alex del Rey still resonate.
