DUBAI INVITATIONAL

January 15, 2026

David Puig

Dubai Creek Resort

Quick Quotes

Q. That's a great start to 2026, 4-under 67 today. Just talk us through your round.

DAVID PUIG: Yeah, very, very organised. It's been a weird week so far. I landed yesterday at 11 p.m. Never played this course before. So I'm really happy, obviously. And didn't have a bunch of expectations, but played really solid. Hit it great off the tee, which I guess it's key here, and pretty happy.

Q. After such a long break, to get three birdies in your first four holes as well, get those competitive juices going again, how pleased were you by that?

DAVID PUIG: Very pleased. Again, didn't have many expectations. Didn't really sleep very good at all last night, you know, got like maybe three hours. And, yeah, felt pretty tired throughout the day, but, again, was able to start really well, as you said. And really pleased with those three birdies. And kept playing pretty good overall, and super happy.

Q. With how you're feeling, the relaxed atmosphere of this event, do you think that helps?

DAVID PUIG: Probably a little bit. The fact of potentially playing the four days and playing with the amateurs as well, it makes it a little maybe not as stressful.

But obviously coming out to a great event, and wanted to be here. And to have guys like Rory and Tommy and Shane playing, and obviously you want to do well because it's a great event, but they're here too, so you really want to compete. And especially seeing Rory's name at the top pretty early, it kind of gets the juices going a little bit.

So, yeah, maybe playing with the ams and not having a cut helped a little bit. But still really happy.

Q. Obviously got that win just before Christmas down in Australia. How much confidence are you taking from that into this new year?

DAVID PUIG: Lots. At the end of the day, I was close a few times, and wasn't able to pull it through, I guess. And kind of winning there with a few good names kind of following me, it meant the world. And obviously learned from that as well, and I know I'm capable of doing it again.