Rafa Cabrera-Bello has completed what has been a brilliant Open de España for him with an exemplary second place. With a final score of -17 (-5 on Sunday, the same as the champion Jon Rahm), the Canary Islander was impeccable once again.
He was well aware that there was only a slim chance of taking the lead and stealing the trophy, but Cabrera-Bello must be happy with his performance. If he felt any pressure it was not noticeable, even during a front nine on which he made no bogeys, but was also unable to buy a birdie. He had to wait until the home stretch until he found his A-game.
It was then that Rafa carded 5 birdies in the last 6 holes of the day. Despite the fact that it was now impossible to catch Rahm, Cabrera-Bello refused to take his foot off the gas; he would fight until the very last putt dropped on the 18th. The Madrid public rewarded his efforts with a standing ovation. And with good reason, for any lingering regrets regarding 2018’s Open de España, will now be forgotten and replaced with a memorable 2019 at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.
Here’s what he had to say after signing for the 66 that earned him second place on his own:
