LIV Golf star eyes Open ticket that could see him knock mentor out of Portrush
The Spanish kid has planted himself into contention to win LIV Dallas and, at the same time, storm into the 153rd Open Championship at the expense of his illustrious compatriot and Fireballs team-mate.
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The scrap for a place at Portrush has intensified in Texas with a spot open to the highest-ranked player in the LIV individual standings after the event getting a ticket to Northern Ireland.
READ MORE: LIV Golf star admits winning The Open at Portrush offers last real Ryder Cup hope
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy stunned Portrush with incredible feat at just 16 as he returns 20 years on
Currently fourth, those above him at the start of play, Joaquin Niemann, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, have secured their spots in the Open field and Garcia can join them if he stays in his current position.
However, Puig is making a serious late run as his mentor sits out of the points with a round to go.
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Victory for the 23-year-old would net him 40 points in the individual standings and move him past his countryman unless his captain somehow manages to get third.
Puig, who is four shots behind leader Patrick Reed with 18 holes to go, could also get in by finishing solo fourth or better if Garcia stays outside the points.
It's a target and he said: 'It's definitely a goal of mine. Anytime someone can avoid going to the qualifier, it's great. That's the main goal.
"Obviously, I want to play the Open. It's one of the best tournaments of the year. I really want to be there, and I'm trying to do as much as I can and my part to be able to be there.
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'We've been working pretty hard these last couple weeks. I thought my game was in the right shape and I've been playing good. It's great to be in this position.'
Puig is due to play a qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports on Tuesday and said: "Just a direct flight to London, rent a car and drive.
"I played the course two years ago so I'm not planning on doing a practice round but maybe walk the course a little bit.
"The weather is going to be great, which is not common near London. If the weather is good, maybe hit a few balls and get ready for Tuesday."
-Credit:AP
However, a LIV Dallas win could negate the need to go and, ironically, on the eve of the tournament, Garcia poured praise onto Puig and said: 'I don't know if he's a revelation because I've been watching him since he started playing professionally at the end of 2022 and I see his progression as something normal.
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"He played very well last year and had a very solid season. Obviously, he's playing even better this year. He's a great player and, if he continues to improve like he has in recent years, he can truly achieve some very, very good things.'
Now the kid can repay the compliments by knocking Garcia out of his cherished place at Portrush with the 45-year-old desperate to take his place and stay in the fight for Ryder Cup selection.
It's a key period for Garcia as he explained: 'I'd say every moment is important, but without a doubt, these five consecutive tournaments I probably have now are important because of their position in the season and because there's a Major in between.
"Starting now in Dallas, then the BMW International Open, Valderrama, which I'm really looking forward to because I'm defending the individual and team titles.
"If I play well here in Dallas, I'll qualify for the British Open and wouldn't have to play qualifiers. Finally [LIV] UK. It's obviously an important part of the year and I have to try to do my best.'
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