– Eight and a half years have passed since he turned professional (my goodness how time flies) to finally see Jon Rahm stepping onto one of the sanctuaries of Spanish golf. Yes, of course, we are referring to the Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, a prestigious venue where Seve, Olazábal, Jiménez, Sergio, Rafa, and Quirós have won. Quite something. Sorry, Jon, but it’s your turn. History says so. Every Spaniard who has won a Major has also claimed victory in this tournament.
Rahm arrived in Dubai on Sunday night and today he played nine holes. His first time. He liked the course, found it a bit soft and is wary of the rough. “Depending on the areas, it can be quite tricky, be careful,” warns the man from Barrika, perfectly accompanied by his lieutenant Adam Hayes. By the way, for those wondering, he didn’t play the practice round with Tom McKibbin, but went out with the Frenchman Frederic Lacroix. They were just behind Iván Cantero.
– Nacho Elvira debuts in 2025 with a significant change in his equipment. After six years with Callaway, the Cantabrian golfer has signed with Cobra. He has also switched to a Titleist ball, and both the glove and shoes are from Footjoy. What remains unchanged is the clothing, as he will continue using Lacoste. It’s an important modification. One must get used to new sensations and also a new way of seeing the clubs. It seems the driver has caught his eye, but the irons are proving more challenging. He joins Ángel Hidalgo in the Cobra club of the Armada.
– Speaking of Ángel Hidalgo… It seems he’s had a streak of bad luck lately. After the surgery he underwent following the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which kept him out for over a month and a half, he arrived in Dubai and fell ill. His tonsils are like two golf balls. The classic tonsillitis from school days. Today he hasn’t touched a club, although he has been around the course to visit the doctors. He has a treatment plan and hopes to improve by Thursday. He will play no matter what, but the goal is to be well enough to finish. It’s not the best way to arrive at a tournament, but as they say: “never underestimate a sick golfer.”
– Adrián Otaegui plays at home. It has always been somewhat his home, or at least his second home, as he has lived in Dubai since turning professional, but now it is more his home than ever. For the first time, he will represent the United Arab Emirates on his territory. He arrives eager to compete. He knows his decision to change the flag under which he plays has generated various opinions, but he is calm and convinced he has done what is best for his interests. By the way, in a gesture that honours him, before publicly announcing his decision, he personally called Gonzaga Escauriaza, then president of the Spanish Federation, to explain what he was going to do.
– Alfredo García Heredia, like Jon, will also play the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time. The Asturian has arrived in the Emirates with a luxury companion, his cousin and coach Jorge Parada. The Galician is the one who watches over his swing, as is also the case with Carlota Ciganda. Today was about testing Srixon and Cobra drivers.
– Speaking of testing drivers, that’s what Rory McIlroy has been doing all morning. He has hit balls of all colours and with all possible configurations. It was truly a spectacle, as he was going all out with every shot while testing. What bombs, could be heard here and there on the practice range.
– Viktor Hovland also appeared at the Emirates with a major novelty, none other than a new coach, TJ Yeaton. They have been working on the range for a long time, especially in the late afternoon when it was quieter.
– Ángel Ayora has been seen at the Emirates with his coach Juan Ochoa. They have been training in Dubai since last week. They are not entering this tournament, but they are carefully preparing for Ras al Khaimah next week. The man from Málaga is determined not to miss this event ever again. He is clear about it and will put in the hours necessary for it. This Tuesday, he planned to return to the Emirates to follow Rory McIlroy‘s practice round. It’s called love for golf.
– Pablo Larrazábal is already showcasing 11:AM in a golf tournament. Today he wore the green polo. Many have asked him about his new brand. It’s liked. Be careful, we might be witnessing the great revolution in golf fashion in 2025. Pablo wants to do his part because he still has a big challenge to fulfil, which he will share with Ten Golf this Tuesday in an exclusive…
– Rafa Cabrera Bello is the first reserve for the tournament. The Canary Islander is crossing his fingers that a last-minute withdrawal will allow him to enter this prestigious event.
– Matt Wallace crossed paths with Jon Rahm on the practice range, and the man from Barrika congratulated him on his victory in the Team Cup. You know Jon wasn’t in Abu Dhabi, but he keeps a close eye on what’s happening around the Ryder Cup. By the way, Wallace appreciated the gesture.
– Íñigo Urquizu is back with the Frenchman Mike Lorenzo Vera. They are together in Dubai and will work side by side for the next eight weeks to maintain the card. Mike has a medical exemption after five and a half very tough months in which he hit rock bottom with some mental health issues. The only goal this week is to have fun. Few better companions than Íñigo for that.
– Speaking of Spanish caddies, Manu Elvira will be accompanied until further notice by Manu Gil, his manager. The Cantabrian is delighted to leave behind the cold of Madrid and get going. He assures that his golf is in order and the pieces are in place. For someone as demanding as Manu to say that, it certainly must be taken as something very positive. By the way, he’s not here in Dubai, but speaking of caddies, Joel Moscatel will start the year next week with Pedro Linhart.
