Rafa Cabrera Bello remains one of Spain’s most enduring professional golfers, with a career spanning two decades marked by consistent performances and memorable victories. From his roots in the Canary Islands to competing in golf’s biggest events, here’s an in-depth look at his journey, achievements, and current standing.
Rafa Cabrera Bello’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rafael Cabrera Bello |
| Nickname | Rafa |
| Born | May 25, 1984 (Age 40) |
| Birthplace | Las Palmas, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 6’2″ |
| College | University of Las Palmas (Business & Economics, did not graduate) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $12–15 million |
| Spouse | Sofia Lundstedt Cabrera Bello (married December 2017) |
| Children | Daughter Alva Margareta (born August 2019) |
| Residence | Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain |
Early Career
Rafa Cabrera Bello’s early career was shaped by an extraordinary amateur foundation and a gritty transition to professional golf.
Growing up next to the Maspalomas Golf Club in Spain’s Canary Islands, he picked up a club at age six and quickly dominated junior competitions, winning the Spanish National Championship in every age category from under-7 to under-18. His amateur peak came at 17 when he stunned fans with a tied-fourth finish at the 2002 Canarias Open de España, a European Tour event, signaling his potential against seasoned professionals.
After briefly studying business and economics at the University of Las Palmas, Rafa turned pro in 2005. His start was rocky—he narrowly missed earning a European Tour card at qualifying school, landing instead on the second-tier Challenge Tour. The setback fueled him.
In 2006, just a year into his pro journey, he claimed his first victory at the MAN NÖ Open in Austria, finishing 13th in the Challenge Tour rankings to secure a European Tour spot for 2007. However, his rookie season on the main tour proved humbling. Struggling with consistency, he failed to crack the top 15 in any event and dropped back to the Challenge Tour in 2008.
Undeterred, Rafa regrouped. He won the 2008 Credit Suisse Challenge, clawing his way back to the European Tour. His resilience paid off in 2009 at the Austrian Golf Open. Trailing by nine strokes after two rounds, he staged a historic comeback, shooting a third-round 66 followed by a final-round 60—matching the European Tour’s single-round record—to snatch victory by one shot.
This electrifying win, featuring a near-miss 59 attempt on the final hole, reignited his career and set the stage for his rise as a European Tour stalwart.
Professional Career
Rafa Cabrera Bello’s professional career exploded after his 2009 Austrian Open comeback win, establishing him as a force on the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour). His 2012 Dubai Desert Classic victory became a defining moment—entering the final round four shots back, he fired a bogey-free 68 to force a playoff with Lee Westwood and Stephen Gallacher.
After sinking a 25-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole, he sealed the win, skyrocketing into the world’s top 50. This triumph earned him spots in marquee events like the PGA Championship and WGC-Match Play, where he reached the semifinals in 2016.
The 2016 season cemented his elite status. He represented Europe in the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, contributing 2.5 points in three matches, including a dominant 3&2 singles win over Jimmy Walker. That same year, he competed for Spain at the Rio Olympics, finishing tied for fifth.
In 2017, Rafa delivered a masterclass at the Scottish Open, carding a final-round 64 to edge Callum Shinkwin by one stroke. A week later, he nearly captured his first major at The Open Championship, finishing tied fourth after a Sunday charge. Though victories slowed post-2017, Rafa remained a contender. His 2021 Open de España win on home soil—marked by a clutch 67 in the final round—proved he could still thrive under pressure.
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In 2025, he balances DP World Tour events with strategic appearances on the Asian Tour, adapting his game to stay competitive. Known for laser-like iron accuracy (ranking top-10 in greens-in-regulation six times between 2012–2020) and a composed demeanor, Rafa’s legacy as Spain’s most consistent golfer of the 2010s remains intact, even as younger talents emerge.
Wife
Rafa Cabrera Bello married Swedish-born Sofia Lundstedt in a private ceremony in December 2017, capping off a two-year engagement.
The couple first met through the European Tour, where Sofia worked in marketing before transitioning to a career in interior design. They welcomed their first child, daughter Alva Margareta, in August 2019, with Rafa often sharing sweet family moments on social media.
Sofia remains his biggest supporter, even caddying for him during the 2018 Masters Par 3 Contest—a fun tradition at Augusta National. The family splits time between their home in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, and tournament locations worldwide.
Rafa Cabrera Bello’s Net Worth Details
Rafa Cabrera Bello’s net worth is estimated to be $12–15 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings | Notable Tournaments |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $220,000+ | Austrian Golf Open (Win) |
| 2012 | $1.2 million | Dubai Desert Classic (Win) |
| 2014 | $69,250 | Early PGA Tour appearances |
| 2016 | $536,062 | Ryder Cup debut, T5 at Rio Olympics |
| 2017 | $1.5 million | Scottish Open (Win), T4 at The Open Championship |
| 2018 | $2.06 million | T3 at WGC-Mexico Championship, T10 at PGA Championship |
| 2019 | $1.8 million | T3 at Arnold Palmer Invitational, T12 at WGC-St. Jude |
| 2020 | $716,577 | T23 at U.S. Open, T17 at Genesis Invitational |
| 2021 | $356,537 | Open de España (Win), T21 at AT&T Byron Nelson |
| 2022 | $90,313 | Mid-tier finishes on DP World Tour |
| 2024–2025 | ~$34,700 | T24 at Bahrain Championship ($25k), T50 at Ras al Khaimah ($9.7k) |
Endorsements
Rafa Cabrera Bello’s endorsement portfolio blends luxury brands and golf-specific partnerships that reflect his elite status. His longest-running collaboration is with Rolex, which began in 2018. The Swiss watchmaker aligns with his reputation for precision and sportsmanship, featuring him in global campaigns and supporting his appearances at Rolex Series events like the Scottish Open.
In 2023, he extended his partnership with FootJoy, becoming a brand ambassador for their premium golf footwear and apparel. This deal complements his equipment sponsorship with Titleist, which provides his Pro V1 golf balls and Vokey wedges. While financial terms remain undisclosed, these partnerships underscore his influence in golf’s equipment sector.
Earlier in his career, Rafa secured a two-year deal with JA Resorts & Hotels (2018–2020), promoting their Dubai properties through tournaments and marketing campaigns. Though not renewed, it highlighted his regional appeal during peak competitive years.
Career Stats
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| DP World Tour Wins | 4 (2009 Austrian Open, 2012 Dubai Desert Classic, 2017 Scottish Open, 2021 Open de España) |
| Ryder Cup Appearances | 1 (2016), 2.5 points earned (3 matches) |
| Olympic Finish | T5 (2016 Rio de Janeiro) |
| Major Championships | T4 at 2017 Open Championship, T10 at 2018 PGA Championship |
| Top-10 Finishes | 46 (European Tour), 12 (PGA Tour) |
| Career Cuts Made | 70% (298/433 tournaments) |
| OWGR Peak | 16th (July 2017) |
| Current OWGR | 606th |
| Challenge Tour Wins | 2 (2006 MAN NÖ Open, 2008 Credit Suisse Challenge) |
FAQs
1. When did Rafa Cabrera Bello turn professional?
Rafa Cabrera Bello turned professional in 2005 after narrowly missing a European Tour card at qualifying school. He began his career on the Challenge Tour, earning his first professional win in 2006 and steadily climbing to prominence on the DP World Tour.
2. How many European Tour wins does Rafa Cabrera Bello have?
He has four DP World Tour victories: the 2009 Austrian Open, 2012 Dubai Desert Classic, 2017 Scottish Open (Rolex Series), and 2021 Open de España. His playoff wins at the Scottish Open and Open de España highlight his clutch performances under pressure.
3. What is Rafa Cabrera Bello’s net worth?
Rafa’s estimated net worth is $12–15 million, accumulated through tournament earnings ($26.2+ million combined from PGA and European Tours) and endorsements like his long-standing Rolex partnership.
4. Who is Rafa Cabrera Bello married to?
He married Swedish-born Sofia Lundstedt in December 2017. The couple met through the European Tour, where Sofia previously worked in marketing. They have one daughter, Alva Margareta, born in August 2019.
5. What is Rafa Cabrera Bello’s best major championship finish?
His best major result is a tied-fourth finish at the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. A week earlier, he won the Scottish Open, showcasing his ability to excel in back-to-back high-stakes events.
6. When did Rafa Cabrera Bello join Rolex?
He became a Rolex Testimonee in 2018. The partnership reflects his precision and sportsmanship, aligning with the brand’s luxury image. He frequently features in Rolex Series events like the Scottish Open.
7. What are Rafa Cabrera Bello’s early career highlights?
As a 17-year-old amateur, he finished T4 at the 2002 Spanish Open. His professional breakthrough came at the 2009 Austrian Open, where he shot a final-round 60 to win. He also claimed two Challenge Tour wins (2006, 2008) before ascending to the DP World Tour.
8. How did Rafa Cabrera Bello perform in the 2016 Ryder Cup?
He was unbeaten in three matches at the 2016 Ryder Cup, contributing 2.5 points for Team Europe. Highlights include a 3&2 singles win over Jimmy Walker and a fourball partnership with Sergio García.
9. Did Rafa Cabrera Bello compete in the Olympics?
Yes, he represented Spain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing tied for fifth. His performance solidified his status as a top-tier golfer during his peak competitive years.
10. What are Rafa Cabrera Bello’s personal interests?
Beyond golf, he enjoys surfing, fitness, and photography. He owns a home in Bali, Indonesia, and often shares family-focused content on social media with his wife and daughter.
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