Spain’s Puig makes U.S Open cut, earns spot for Paris Olympics

PINEHURST, N.C. – David Puig was walking past the clubhouse after his second round Friday at the U.S. Open when he spotted his Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia. They immediately shared a celebratory handshake and a hug, a former Olympian in Garcia – and a future one in Puig.

The 22-year-old Puig secured his spot in the men’s golf competition at the upcoming Summer Olympics with a clutch 2-under 68 that moved him inside the cut line and guarantees his place in Paris. He and Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm will represent Spain in the 60-man competition that starts Aug. 1.

“It means the world,” Puig said. “Playing for your own country at the Olympics alongside Jon Rahm. I don’t think there’s a better scenario than that.”

Puig entered the week needing to make the cut at Pinehurst and earn enough ranking points to jump ahead of fellow countryman Jorge Campillo, who was one spot ahead of him. The week before, Puig made the Pinehurst field by taking medalist honors at the Northern California qualifier. He continued to hold form at LIV Golf Houston with his best-LIV result, a tie for third.

An opening 6-over 76 on Thursday left him outside the projected cutline, but Puig proved clutch with a five-birdie, three-bogey performance to finish at 4 over, one stroke inside the cutline. It was one of just 11 rounds of 68 or better on Friday.

“What a round,” said Garcia, who represented Spain at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro when golf was re-introduced to the Olympic program after 112 years. “For him to do it knowing he had to do it in order to not only make the cut but to make the Olympics – he’s a great kid. He’s got amazing potential. I’m very happy he’s on my team.”

Puig had four birdies on the front side, including a 27-footer at the par-3 sixth, and was 3 under at the turn. He bounced back from a bogey at the 12th with a birdie at the 13th when he knocked his approach to 6 feet. He said thoughts of the Olympics crept into his mind as he tried to stay in the moment. He made four pars in his last five holes to seal the deal.

“Seeing that I’m able to shoot 68, even with a couple of short putts at the end that I missed, yeah, it makes me proud,” said Puig, who has won two Asian Tour events in his last eight non-LIV Golf starts dating back to last year. “It makes me see that I have the game.”

Watching from the gallery this week are Puig’s parents as well as his girlfriend. He said they were more nervous than he was about making the Olympics. “A lot more nervous,” he said. “It’s not even comparable.”

Now the family can make plans for Paris. But first, Puig has two weekend rounds left at the U.S. Open. Who knows what a couple of more 68s might achieve if he can keep the momentum going.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend – and the Olympics,” he said.