Jon Rahm makes a welcome return to the DP World Tour this week when he competes in the Spanish Open in Madrid.
Club De Campo is hosting the tournament, adding to its rich history on the European Tour.
I understand that money dictates so much nowadays in sport, but this is a favourite week for many - even though the purse and field are not in keeping with what seems to matter.
Rafa Cabrera-Bello will add to the home spice in Madrid and try to defend his crown. Padraig Harrington's career in Europe really started here in 1996 with his first win.
It is a famous venue in the hills of the city - one that has witnessed some historic battles down through the years.
Rahm is the perfect matador to try and wrestle back his crown.
But it is an interesting time for the Spaniard as he has had the first wobble of his career.
Last year at Whistling Straits he was the alpha male of professional golf. The world number one tried to carry the European team by himself - he was the outstanding player from Europe and, at the time, worthy of his place at the top of the world rankings.
His form this year has been much different. That may sound ridiculous, considering he has still managed nine top 10s - including one victory in Mexico.
Those numbers are remarkable for most players, but it has seen him look normal and drop to sixth in the world rankings.
The Players Championship was the first time he lost his top spot. His form did return with an outstanding final round and second place to Shane Lowry in Wentworth.
But Rahm is capable of brilliance like few others, so the bar is set very high.
This week is his national open - and a national open is the fifth major for all players. He is the 2/1 favourite and is expected to win.
The pressure is something that he would welcome but there is also an added incentive in terms of restoring his status.
He will not play in Valderrama next week so the Tour will be hoping for a big homecoming.
These regular season tournaments and especially national opens must have the best home players to carry the tournament. Even though we had a very successful Irish Open, it was not the same without Rory McIlroy.
It is a hugely emotional week for Rahm and he will be keen to add another title to his CV.
LIV TOUR TO TRY CAPTURE ASIAN MARKET
The LIV Tour will touch down in Thailand this week. It will be a big challenge to see if it can capture the imagination in Asia.
The American market is the biggest in the world and gaining broadcast rights will be key for them going forward. The time difference with the States will mean that the paltry numbers to date will drop even further.
But will the Asian audience garnish more traction?
One top player said to me recently that even though there are huge names on board with LIV, it almost seems like they have gone off the grid.
I wouldn’t equate it to going playing the minor leagues, but it almost seems out of sight out of mind.
The big problem with this league is that agents have made a fortune and have turned the heads of their players to earn a massive signing on percentage bonus. The same can be said for some of the coaches involved with players.
The big worry I feel for some players is what happens in three years time if it is not working. The Saudis will pull the plug - and where will these players go?
Granted you will have a big chunk of money banked, but your career and professional life will be over.
The biggest hurdle that they must overcome is world rankings. Until that issue is finally dealt with, it is all up in the air.
There are many players that I always looked out for and always followed their careers fondly. But the LIV tournaments mean nothing. I cannot gauge a win or big week on that tour and compare it to anything.
That's the big issue for me. It is impossible to register the achievement.
By contrast, Jon Rahm winning his National Open this week in his capital city at a famous venue steeped in history will trump anything that happens in Bangkok.
That is the biggest difference. Time means history and I don’t see the Saudis giving it time.
A return on the investment seems impossible. Sooner rather than later this will be the cross it perishes upon.
RYAN FOX DOES SHANE WARNED PROUD
The Dunhill Links produced a very exciting finish on Sunday after the atrocious weather on Friday could have ruined the week.
Ryan Fox has stepped up again to secure his second - and biggest - win of the season. He will never forget this one.
The loss of Shane Warne to the world of cricket shocked everybody and he was Fox’s partner at the Dunhill, so it was fitting that Fox embraced that emotion to claim the title.
History and emotion are powerful tools to inspire greatness. Fox has moved to 25th in the world and has an outside chance to claim the season-ending Race To Dubai title. Exciting times for the Kiwi.
THIS WEEK'S BETTING SLIP
Open de Espana
Mikko Korhonen 33/1 Has the potential to upset his odds
Pablo Larrazabal 40/1 A hot putting week is key for glory here
Renato Paratore 100/1 Good course form at a huge price
Shriners Children's Open
Si Woo Kim 40/1 Big price for a standout talent
Seamus Power 50/1 Good price and home comforts this week might help
Taylor Montgomery 33/1 The rookie has impressed in his first two starts
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