Spain’s Alejandro Del Rey made a major statement at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, claiming his first-ever DP World Tour victory with a commanding four-shot lead. The 26-year-old showcased incredible composure throughout the tournament, maintaining his lead from the opening round and sealing the deal in the final day’s pressure-packed play.
The rise of a champion
Del Rey entered the final round with a two-shot advantage, determined not to let anyone challenge his throne. With a stellar performance and unwavering focus, the Spaniard silenced his competitors and realized a long-held dream of lifting a DP World Tour trophy.
Reflecting on his journey, Del Rey admitted that 2024 had been a challenging year for him. “It’s amazing,” he said after his victory. “I got to a point last year where I wasn’t having much fun on the course. Just playing for 20th or 30th place wasn’t meaningful for me. I worked my *** off because I didn’t want to be in that position anymore.”
A hard-earned breakthrough
Del Rey’s performance was a testament to perseverance. “I’ve played with many friends who’ve won out here, and I knew I could do it. It just wasn’t showing up until now,” he added. His triumph not only ends his drought but also sets a promising tone for the rest of the season.
Armitage and Puig impress
While Del Rey stole the spotlight, Marcus Armitage and fellow Spaniard David Puig put up notable performances. Armitage, the 37-year-old Englishman, finished four under par, showing grit despite falling short. “Alejandro was fantastic today,” Armitage said. “I battled hard but didn’t really get it going early. I’ve broken down a few barriers that I didn’t think I could do, and I’m proud of myself.”
Puig, meanwhile, closed out the tournament with an impressive score of 65, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent to watch.
Looking ahead
Alejandro Del Rey’s victory signals the arrival of a new contender on the DP World Tour. With his maiden win under his belt and a renewed sense of purpose, the young Spaniard is poised for a standout season. As he said, “I’m just happy it finally came.”