LIV Golf has once again divided opinion by signing one of the sport's hottest prospect's in Arizona State player David Puig. The youngster has turned professional before his senior year and joined former world No. 1 Greg Norman's venture.
The 20-year-old has been one of the sport's leading college players in the last two years, and has won three college events during his time in Arizona which has seen him move to 9th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Puig confirmed his move in a statement on his Instagram, revealing it was the 'hardest decision he has ever made'.
He said: "Although it has probably been the hardest decision that I’ve ever made, I’ve decided to turn professional this week.
"However, I’m still an ASU student and plan to graduate in the next year. My base will be in Tempe, hopefully forever. What a great place to live and become a champion golfer.
"I've been lucky enough to represent Spain on many occasions and it's been a real honor. Today is a day where even though I stop being an amateur and change to a professional player, the love and respect I have for this federation will never change."
Puig's decision has no doubt split opinion with golf fans on social media, as the sport's civil war rolls on. One fan - @camlew15 - criticised the Spanish youngster's decision on Twitter, writing: "I can’t help but think it’s a really poor decision from a career perspective. Players need strong competition and pressure situations to become better. Guaranteed money and no cut weakens both of those aspects, hampering the ability to eventually compete at the highest level."
These thoughts were also echoed by @timknoll_1976, who tweeted: "Just ruined his future... how sad," whilst @TBCuse11 added: "Oh no dude. Kid retired before he even started. Sad to see. Will never know if he had what it took..."
Despite plenty of criticism, some golf fans have commended Puig for his decision to jump at the chance to join the breakaway circuit and kick off his professional career, with @StevenHutchiso5 tweeting: "These guys have a lot of pressure on them because they’ve seen other talented college guys never make it. LIV is offering money in hand presumably so in a way I don’t blame him."
Whilst another fan - @DoucheyDeLeche - added: "Life is short, take your opportunities!"
Puig already has two LIV Golf appearances to his name as an amateur, finishing 40th at the inaugural event in Centurion, and 46th when competing in Bedminster. He will make his professional debut later this week in Chicago.
