Jon Rahm aims to build on Masters finish on home return in Madrid

Jon Rahm is hoping to build on his career-best major finish as he chases a first professional title on home soil at the Open de Espana this week.

Rahm returns to Spain as the highest-ranked player in the field at Centro Nacional de Golf, the course he practised at during his junior career on his way to becoming Spanish Golf Federation National Champion at various age-group levels.

The world No 4 fired a final-round 69 at Augusta National on Sunday to end the week in fourth spot, four shots behind winner Patrick Reed, with Rahm aiming to follow that one with another strong showing in Madrid.

"I played really good, high-quality golf (at the Masters), including a 65, three rounds in the 60s and barely any bogeys in the last few holes," Rahm said on Tuesday. "It was very satisfying to play like that and be in the mix, even though I think I never got closer than three shots.

"My goal was to have a chance on the Sunday and see how I would behave and how I would handle it, and I loved it. It was a lot more fun; it is why we play this sport, it is why we practise as much as we do.

"I just hope I can take all that from last week - the good play and good feelings - into this week knowing it is an event that matters a lot to me and hopefully I can play as well as I did last week."

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Rahm tees off for the opening two rounds alongside Rafa Cabrera Bello and Andrew "Beef" Johnston, who won the event the last time it was part of the European Tour schedule in 2016.

Watch the Open de Espana throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 11am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.

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