David Puig Wins Australian PGA Championship, Emulating Ballesteros
Spanish golfer David Puig captures the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane, becoming the first Spaniard to win since Seve Ballesteros in 1981, by two strokes.
In Brisbane, Spain's David Puig produced a polished closing round to win the Australian PGA Championship by two strokes. The 23-year-old became the first Spaniard to win the event since Seve Ballesteros, marking a landmark moment for European golf.
Final round and outcome
Puig, who also competes on the LIV Golf Tour, fired a bogey-free five-under 66 to finish 18-under for the week. This is his first DP World Tour title, with his prior wins coming on the Asian Tour in 2023 and 2024. His best previous DP World Tour result was a third-place finish at Ras Al Khaimah in January.
China's Ding Wenyi shot a final round 66 to claim second on 16-under, while Australian Marc Leishman and New Zealand's Nick Voke tied for third at 15-under. Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia began the day sharing the lead but carded a 1-over 72 to finish tied for eighth with Daniel Gale.
Puig's perspective and momentum
Puig spoke about the significance of the win, noting the nerves and the importance of staying composed during a high-pressure finale. The triumph also marks Puig as the first European winner since 1998, underscoring a strong season for players moving toward greater stages on the tour.
Expert view
A veteran golf analyst described Puig's calm demeanor under pressure as a sign of his growing maturity and potential to challenge in bigger events on the DP World Tour.
Summary
The Australian PGA Championship crowned David Puig after a flawless final round, delivering his first DP World Tour title and a historic moment for Spanish golf since Ballesteros. Ding Wenyi finished runner-up, with Leishman and Voke close behind. Puig heads into upcoming events with renewed momentum after this landmark victory.
Puig's breakthrough win signals a turning point for European players on the DP World Tour.
BBC Sport