Pagunsan: Putting is the key

The putts have to drop. They’re the most important

Juvic Pagunsan slipped back into the country last week to take advantage of the break on the Japan PGA and reunite with his family, hoping to draw inspiration and motivation as he builds up for a rather late Olympic debut in Saitama in 10 days’ time.

The 43-year-old former Asian Tour No. 1 ended a decade-long search for a crown in the region’s most lucrative circuit with an imposing victory in the Mizuno Open last May, earning him huge points to barge into the Top 60 of the men’s Olympic field.

Though he missed the cut in the next three Japan PGA tournaments, Pagunsan has already secured a spot in the Tokyo Games, winding up at No. 48 in the final Olympic roster.

His Mizuno Open romp actually netted him a berth in the just-concluded British Open in England. But he opted to play in the Olympics set from 29 July to 1 August at the Kasumigaseki Country Club instead due to travel and quarantine restrictions from Japan to Europe and back.

He also took the chance to be with his family which he hasn’t seen since he resumed his JPGA campaign last March.

Besides, Pagunsan knows he could still try to qualify for the Open next year while getting another shot at the next Olympics might be a long shot since he would be 46 by then.

“It’s a dream come true to be an Olympian,” said Pagunsan, who worked on body conditioning, including lifting weights and jogging, while injecting a round or two at an exclusive course during his stay here.

While he hasn’t tested the Olympic course yet, Pagunsan remains unfazed by his rivals’ credentials, including the renowned big-hitters, saying it will all boil down to putting.

“The putts have to drop. They’re the most important,” he stressed.