David Puig, a 22-year-old golfer, knew he had to perform well at the U.S. Open to secure a spot on the Spanish team for the Paris Olympics. After a rough start with a 76 in the opening round at Pinehurst No. 2, Puig stepped up his game in the second round. He managed to score four birdies on the front nine and finished with a 68, bringing his total to 4 over for the championship, which was just enough to make the cut.
Puig’s performance was not the only highlight of the day. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one ranked player, barely made the cut after shooting a 74 in the second round. Other players like Cameron Young, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry also made the cut at 5 over. On the other hand, big names like Viktor Hovland, Max Homa, Justin Rose, and Tiger Woods missed the cut.
Despite the challenges, Puig remained focused on his goal. He made the decision to turn pro and join the LIV tour, which impacted his eligibility for PGA Tour events. However, Puig had a plan to continue playing on the Asian Tour during his off weekends from LIV. His dedication and hard work paid off with wins in Singapore and Malaysia, helping him climb the world rankings and secure a spot for the Paris Olympics.
With Jon Rahm already securing one of Spain’s spots at the Olympics, Puig had to perform well at the U.S. Open to beat out Jorge Campillo for the second spot. Puig’s determination and focus during the challenging rounds at Pinehurst ultimately paid off, earning him a spot on the Olympic team.
Puig’s journey to the Olympics showcases the resilience and dedication required to succeed in professional golf. Despite facing setbacks and tough competition, Puig’s commitment to his goal propelled him to achieve his dream of representing Spain at the Paris Olympics. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers and athletes, highlighting the importance of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.