A David Puig has just received an incentive from Washington for the next three months of competition. To be precise, the message comes from the press room at Congressional Country Club. The sender of the telegram is not just anyone; he is a Ryder Cup legend and vice-captain for the event at Bethpage taking place at the end of September.
José María Olazábal is at Congressional where he will compete this week in the Senior PGA Championship. There, he is asked about the Ryder, among other reasons due to his appointment as vice-captain and because this very course will host a Ryder in 2037.
In that context, he is questioned about the Spaniards with chances to play this year in New York: “I believe Jon has very good chances of being there. A shame about the end of the PGA, but he has shown he is still in great form.”
That’s the most obvious part. He also mentions Sergio García, although he notes that his level has dropped in recent weeks. However, another name comes up that he mentions motu proprio: “There’s also David Puig, who is doing interesting things, there are three months ahead and there’s time for things to happen.” The message is clear. “David, you are not ruled out.” It’s not the first time the man from Hondarribia mentions David in the predictions, but he remains in the fight just four months away.
It’s no revelation to say that the man from La Garriga has it very tough. He has few opportunities to earn points for the ranking classification and, barring a surprise, could only play if chosen by the captain. Olazábal reminds that Puig is very much in Luke Donald’s plans. It may seem obvious, but perhaps it isn’t so much.
Next week, David Puig has an important first appointment. He plays, precisely in Washington, the qualifier for the US Open. Qualifying for the third Major of the year would be a good step forward and dreaming, why not, of a great result at Oakmont that continues to catch the captain’s attention.
Regarding his motivation to stay linked to the big event, Chema is clear and responds with a hint of nostalgia: “I don’t have many more Ryder Cups left, that’s the reality. It’s true that I’m at an age where I’m barely with the players, I follow them on television, but I only meet them at the Masters and don’t have much contact with them. However, what made me accept the role of vice-captain is the immense challenge we have ahead. Winning again away, in New York where we know the atmosphere we can face, and repeating with Luke Donald is a mix that made me not hesitate and take on the challenge. Winning away is something we know is very difficult, but we are working hard to be very well prepared and in the best possible conditions. I had a great time in Rome.” An unbeatable cocktail.
When asked about his appearance this week in the second senior Major of the year, he is honest: “I’m not very sharp with the irons and that’s fundamental in my game. It’s a tough week, I wasn’t aware of the course changes and the reality is that it’s a very difficult course.”
He agrees with Miguel Ángel Jiménez on where the key will be this week: “The greens are very severe, very firm, with a lot of movement, and the contours don’t help either. Around the green, there’s also a lot of slope. The shots to the green are going to be crucial, you have to leave it in the right spot.”
