Spain’s Puig flies high with nine birdies to clinch Malaysian Open title

KUALA LUMPUR: Spaniard David Puig carded a splendid nine-under 62 for a four-day total of 23-under 261 to win the 2024 Malaysian Open Golf Championship – his second title since turning pro less than two years ago – at The Mines Resort & Golf Club yesterday.

That handed him a two-shot win over South Korean Wang Jeung-hun, who sizzled with a 10-under 61 on the final day for a four-day total of 21-under 263 in the US$1 million (RM4.78 million) championship.

Puig, whose first professional win came at the International Series Singapore last October, blazed the course with nine birdies – with five on the front nine – yesterday en route to pocketing first prize of US$180,000 (RM860,400).

Thailand’s Denwit Boriboonsub, who also dazzled with a 10-under 61 today, and American John Catlin shared the third spot a stroke behind with a 20-under 264 total.

The 22-year-old Puig, Jeung-hun and Denwit, thus, earned the right to play in the prestigious 2024 British Open at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland from July 18-21. Puig was thrilled to bits after winning the championship and confirming his spot in the British Open.

“Yeah, I feel great. It was obviously a very good week. I’m super, super happy and excited that I won here in Malaysia, especially after those first two days (when he carded a 66 and 71). They weren’t that good,” he told reporters.

V Khavish Varman, who was joint leader after the second round and joint 14th after the third, carded a three-under 68 today for a four-day total of 15under 269 to be the best-placed Malaysian golfer.