David Puig became Spain’s first winner of The Australian PGA Championship since Seve Ballesteros as he claimed a maiden DP World Tour title at Royal Queensland.
The 23-year-old LIV golfer, who was making his official debut appearance as a member on the DP World Tour after taking up membership for the 2026 season, came into the final round in a tie for the lead alongside Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Australia’s Anthony Quayle. But it was the Spaniard who powered clear of the pair who fell back in the final round. Despite parring the opening hole, Puig hit a run of three consecutive birdies and never looked back going on to card a bogey-free five-under 66 to end on 18 under and earn a two-shot victory.
It is Puig’s third professional victory adding to his two wins on the Asian Tour, and a memorable one as he follows in the footsteps of the great Ballesteros who won the event in 1981 at Royal Melbourne.
“It feels amazing. I’ve really had a lot of close calls in a few events throughout this year and last year and I kind of wasn’t able to pull it through,” Puig said.
“It feels unbelievable especially to win here in Australia and I played some awesome golf so I’m really excited and happy.
“I was definitely nervous, but I think I kind of kept my composure really well. Obviously that start helped a lot… Obviously my name being with Seve’s name as the only two Spaniards to have won this event makes it even more special. Really happy.”
China’s Ding Wenyi also carded a final-round 66 to finish in second on 16 under while there was a tie for third between New Zealand’s Nick Voke and Marc Leishman.
What is the next event?
The next events on the DP World Tour schedule are the Crown Australian Open and the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player both taking place between 4-7 December at Royal Melbourne GC, Australia and Gary Player GC, South Africa.