David Puig (-4) and Rafa Cabrera Bello (-4) have positioned themselves in the Open de España. The bid for victory is on. Same score and same position, although achieved in very different ways.
Puig finished with mixed feelings, satisfied with his play, especially from the tee, but annoyed by some errors on the second shots, particularly on holes 6, 15, and 18. A few short putts also slipped away. “I’ve played well enough to be in double digits. It’s a bit frustrating, but I’m very pleased with my play from the tee,” he admitted after signing his card.
Rafa, on the other hand, has maximised his short game to achieve the score. It wasn’t the best day from tee to green, he found himself in tricky situations, but he recovered brilliantly. It’s clear that the dynamic has changed. Previously, even when playing well, there were days he couldn’t beat the course, and now the opposite is true. That’s what playing with the wind at your back does.
Both Puig and Rafa have developed the blessed habit of playing under par. David’s performance is simply impressive. Including today, he has played 33 rounds in regular DP World Tour tournaments and only once submitted a card over par. That was last week in the second round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the day of the carnage. The day of great injustice. Meanwhile, Rafa has already accumulated nine of his last twelve rounds under par. He is much more comfortable with his swing, more confident, and this translates into solidity. He is recalling his best form.
Another player who has also moved into the upper echelons of the Open de España is Nacho Elvira (-3). The Cantabrian submitted a par card and is within reach of the lead. As play comes to a close, Canadian Aaron Cockerill (-8) is the sole leader, one stroke ahead of Daniel Brown, Bernd Wiesberger, Patrick Reed, and Joakim Lagergren. The Swede was, in fact, the author of the best round of the day (64 strokes).
Meanwhile, Sergio García (-1), with very poor feelings, managed to dig deep to make the cut. “I’m hitting shots like a 10-handicapper. I’m not really sure what I’m looking to find over the weekend, but the most important thing is to hit the ball with confidence, sure of the shot I want to execute.” The Borriol native sank a great three-metre putt on his last hole to ensure the cut. Meanwhile, Alex del Rey (PAR) will have to wait until the last minute to know if he makes the cut.
