With the Open de España presented by Madrid fast approaching, David Puig is excited to get started, but also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing his game is back on track. The Catalan player is back at Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, a stage on which he has proven his mettle in recent appearances and where he expects to play a leading role again this week.
“I’m feeling good, excited. I think there’s been a significant improvement at recent tournaments. The results haven’t all been as hoped, but I was playing better”, explains Puig. That feeling, along with some positive memories in Madrid, is fuelling his confidence. “The last two years I’ve played well here, so I’m happy and excited”.
Recent rain in the Spanish capital means Real Club de Campo is softer than normal and, possibly more receptive. However, Puig seems indifferent to the situation. “It’s always demanding on this course. Maybe, with it being a bit softer, the results will be lower than normal, but I’ve always really enjoyed playing here”.
Although he acknowledges that more demanding conditions have benefitted him in recent editions of the event, his approach remains the same: “Ultimately, you have to play good golf. I’ve always done that here, hopefully I can play well again this year”. Interestingly, Puig has played in this tournament on three occasions and finished with the same score every time (-10), but with different results; he was third in 2024, ninth last year and 34th on his debut in 2021.
Why has he been so consistent at the event? He is playing at home. Puig is forthcoming about what it means to feel the support of the Spanish fans. “It’s very special. You see faces you recognise and you don’t find fans like the Spanish anywhere else. They support you when you’re in trouble and they support you when you’re doing well; you can always feel them behind you”.
Add to this the presence of family and friends and the Open de España presented by Madrid is a guaranteed highlight long before the tournament even begins. “Playing at home is always special, but here in Madrid, with all the Spanish fans, it makes it even more appealing. It’s a week that’s always circled in red on the calendar”.
Puig admits he is still searching for his best form, but is taking it in his stride. “I’m calm, I’m fine, I know exactly where I stand. It’s a matter of trusting the work and putting in the hours required. I’m sure it’ll all come back very soon.”
There are also some minor technical adjustments underway, specifically to slightly shorten a swing that in recent months had become “a little longer and steeper”. Nothing that will shake his confidence though.
“I think I’m on the right track. I’m in the right frame of mind, I’m calm, I’ve got my family here with me and I think playing here suits me very well.”
Madrid is ready to welcome David Puig back, and the Spaniard is ready to enjoy it.
