David Puig’s Rising Star Faces a Crucial Test at the PGA Championship
Several emerging golfers are capturing the world’s attention, and among them is Spain’s David Puig. Known for his strong performances on the LIV Golf circuit and, more recently, on the DP World Tour, Puig has become one of golf’s most promising young talents. His recent stretch on the DP World Tour—finishing in the top 4 in five consecutive appearances, including a 3rd place at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and T4 at the Bahrain Championship—was key to earning him a spot in the 2025 PGA Championship. And despite the high stakes, Puig is making the most of the opportunity.
<strong>Strong Start Amidst Pain</strong>.
VERY early, but should be noted that David Puig is tied for the lead in a major for the 1st time in his career at the @PGAChampionship! @fireballsgc_ @livgolf_league pic.twitter.com/m1Ar3ZuihA
— Pro Golf Critic (@ProGolfCritic) May 15, 2025
Day 1 at Quail Hollow posed a challenge for even the sport’s biggest stars. Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Xander Schauffele all struggled to stay under par. But Puig stood out, carding a 3-under through 15 holes, thanks to four birdies—despite playing with a painful back injury. His strong play faltered slightly at the end with a bogey on the 16th and a double bogey on the 18th, leaving him at even par. Still, given his condition, Puig saw his performance as a success.
Puig revealed after the round that his back had been bothering him for over a week, and he hadn’t practiced since his last appearance in Korea. He admitted that just a day before, he didn’t think he’d be able to play at all. Despite the pain, he felt he competed well, and the fact that he was able to lead for a short while gave him encouragement heading into Round 2.
<strong>Back Injury Origin and Concerns</strong>
The back issue began during the final round of LIV Golf Korea, where he posted a disappointing final day after a strong start. He finished T20, his worst placement of the season, due largely to struggles between holes 8 and 13. Since then, Puig has been under constant physical therapy, with his physiotherapist even walking the course with him at Quail Hollow. Despite the lack of immediate improvement, the treatment appears to have helped enough for him to compete.
<strong>Track Record and Expectations</strong>
This is Puig’s fifth major championship. He made his debut at the 2023 U.S. Open with a T39 finish and followed with a 55th place in 2024. His 2024 PGA Championship and Open Championship appearances both ended with missed cuts. But Puig’s form in 2025 suggests he’s evolving quickly. Currently seventh in the LIV Golf standings, Puig boasts two top-5 finishes and has not placed outside the top 20 all season—a stat he shares with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
<strong>Can He Break Through?</strong>
Despite his youth and injury woes, Puig is proving he can hang with the best. His even-par round on a difficult day, while not spectacular on paper, showed grit, resilience, and flashes of brilliance. The big question now is whether his back can hold up through the tournament. If it does, he’s a genuine contender to finish in the top 10—something that would mark a major step forward in his career and signal his readiness for the sport’s highest stage.