David Puig of LIV Golf clinched the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club, marking the biggest victory of his burgeoning career. The 23-year-old Spaniard finished with a final round of 5-under par 66, securing a total of 18-under for the tournament. This win makes Puig the ninth international winner of the event and only the second Spaniard to claim the title since the legendary Seve Ballesteros in 1981. China's Wenyi Ding also shot a final-round 66 to finish in second place, two strokes behind Puig.
Puig began the final round sharing the lead with Australia's Anthony Quayle and Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia. He quickly asserted his dominance with a blistering start, carding three consecutive birdies on the second, third, and fourth holes. This early momentum allowed him to maintain control throughout the round, despite pressure from the chasing pack. Reflecting on his victory, Puig expressed his excitement, particularly about winning in Australia, and acknowledged the close calls he had experienced in previous tournaments.
The win was especially significant for Puig, who has been a member of the LIV Golf League. He finished tenth in the individual season-long standings in LIV Golf this year. This victory not only represents his first DP World Tour title but also his third professional win. Puig's consistent performance throughout the tournament was notable, as he recorded only two bogeys over the four rounds, both occurring back-to-back in the second round.
Several Australian players were in contention, including Marc Leishman and Min Woo Lee. Leishman finished in a tie for third place alongside New Zealander Nick Voke. Both Leishman and Lee made attempts to close the gap on Sunday, but errors on the 14th hole, combined with a Puig birdie on the 13th, gave the Spaniard a comfortable lead. Adam Scott finished seventh at 13-under, while Min Woo Lee tied for fifth with Daniel Hillier.
Puig's triumph is not just a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Spanish golf in Australia. He joins Ballesteros as the only Spaniards to have won the Australian PGA Championship, with Ballesteros' victory also occurring at Royal Melbourne. Next week, Puig will be competing at the Australian Open, also to be held at Royal Melbourne.
The final leaderboard saw a mix of international talent, with China's Wenyi Ding securing second place and New Zealander Nick Voke sharing third place with Marc Leishman. The Australian contingent was strong, but Puig's steady play and ability to capitalize on key moments ultimately secured his victory. His success marks a significant milestone in his career and highlights his potential as a rising star in the world of golf.
