Carlos Alcaraz Tees Off with Jon Rahm at Spanish Open Pro-Am: A Star-Studded Swing
In a delightful crossover of Spain’s sporting royalty, world No. 1 tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz traded his racket for a golf club to join forces with two-time major champion Jon Rahm at the Pro-Am event for the 2025 Open de España on October 8 at Madrid’s Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. The 22-year-old Alcaraz, fresh off his eighth ATP title at the Japan Open and a Shanghai Masters withdrawal for ankle recovery, impressed with a smooth tee shot that left Rahm and onlookers in awe, blending athletic prowess from the tennis court with the precision of golf’s fairways.
A Power Duo on the Greens: Alcaraz and Rahm’s Bromance
Alcaraz, whose handicap has reportedly dropped to 11.2 amid his growing golf hobby, teed off alongside Rahm—the Basque powerhouse and former world No. 1 who’s returning to his home event after a grueling Ryder Cup week in New York. The pair, both hailing from Spain’s sunny south, shared laughs and competitive banter during their nine-hole outing, with Alcaraz’s drive drawing cheers from the gallery. “What an iron shot!” Rahm exclaimed after Alcaraz’s 170-meter approach landed just meters from the pin, a highlight captured in viral clips shared by the DP World Tour and Tennis TV.
Teaming with Rahm, Sergio Garcia, David Puig, and former tennis pro Feliciano López, Alcaraz navigated the course’s challenges, including a tricky riverbank hazard on the sixth hole where his wayward drive landed but was redeemed by a stunning recovery. Rahm, fresh off contributing three points to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, called the day “fun” and praised Alcaraz’s hand-eye coordination: “He’s not a god—he’s a demigod. Overnight, he became tennis’s next star, and now he’s stealing our game too.” The event, part of the tournament’s buildup to the main draw starting October 10, blended promotion with genuine camaraderie, as Alcaraz—now resting before Paris-Bercy—enjoys a brief off-season pivot to golf.
Alcaraz’s Golf Game: From Tennis Pro to Fairway Fan
Alcaraz’s foray into golf isn’t new; he’s long been an enthusiast, challenging Andy Murray to a singles match after a doubles loss with Sergio Garcia at the US Open in September. His swing, honed by tennis’s rotational power, translates seamlessly to the driver, with friends noting his improving short game. “Tennis players are arguably the best athletes out there,” Rahm once told GOLF.com, a sentiment echoed as Alcaraz’s tee shot sailed straight and true, showcasing the athletic overlap between the sports.
This Pro-Am appearance follows Alcaraz’s pattern of cross-sport fun—teaming with Garcia and Puig at the US Open, where he quipped about Murray’s “better partner” advantage. With his tennis season winding down after 67 wins and a year-end No. 1 lock, Alcaraz’s Madrid outing offers a lighthearted breather before the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17). Rahm, ranked No. 3 in golf, used the event to shake off Ryder Cup fatigue, hinting at a potential rematch: “Next time, singles—no partners to blame.”
Why It Matters: Spain’s Sporting Crossover Kings
The Alcaraz-Rahm pairing symbolizes Spain’s golden generation across racket and club sports, bridging tennis’s baseline wars with golf’s strategic precision. For Alcaraz, it’s a reminder of balance amid his grueling schedule—eight titles, including Wimbledon and the US Open—while Rahm eyes a strong DP World Tour finish after LIV Golf commitments. Fans on social media went wild, with #AlcarazRahm trending: “Carlitos’ drive is smoother than his forehand—Rahm’s face says it all!” One clip of the tee shot garnered 500k views in hours.
As the Open de España tees off, Alcaraz’s golf cameo isn’t just a diversion—it’s a testament to his versatility, proving the world No. 1 can conquer any court… or green. With Paris-Bercy next, expect more magic from the Murcian maestro.
