In summary

  • David Puig will return to The Lakes Golf Club from November 26-29 to defend his BMW Australian PGA Championship title.
  • No player has successfully defended the Joe Kirkwood Cup since Cam Smith's back-to-back wins in 2017-18.
  • The field also includes leading Australians Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Elvis Smylie and Cam Davis, plus international visitors.

Reigning BMW Australian PGA Championship winner David Puig will return to The Lakes Golf Club this summer with his sights set on successfully defending the Joe Kirkwood Cup.

The Spanish star announced himself on Australian shores last year with an impressive two-shot victory after shooting all four rounds in the 60s at Royal Queensland Golf Club, his first title on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour.

Now, Puig will return to Sydney from November 26-29 with the opportunity to go back-to-back and add another chapter to his rapidly growing career which has featured seven top-10 finishes around the world in 2026.

"Winning the BMW Australian PGA Championship last year was a really special moment for me and one I'll always remember," Puig said.

"I loved my time in Australia and the support from the fans made the week even more memorable.

"To have the opportunity to come back and defend the title at The Lakes is something I'm really looking forward to.

"I know the field will be strong, especially with Australia’s best players wanting to win at home,but I'm excited for the challenge and hopefully I can put myself in a position to win again."

Puig's return adds another compelling storyline to the 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship, with the Spaniard looking to become the latest player to successfully defend the title.

David Puig will defend his PGA title. BMW Australian PGA Championship


It’s a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Cam Smith’s back-to-back titles in 2017-18.

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said: "David produced a fantastic performance to win the BMW Australian PGA Championship last year and we're thrilled to welcome him back to The Lakes to defend his title.

"He's an incredibly talented young player who continues to make his mark on the international stage, and his victory last year showed just how well he can perform under pressure. The final round he played at Royal Queensland was just about faultless.

"David has already made a strong connection with Australian golf fans and we're delighted he'll be back in Sydney this summer with the chance to defend the Joe Kirkwood Cup.

"His return is another outstanding addition to what is shaping as a world-class field for this year's BMW Australian PGA Championship."

Puig joins a field that includes leading Australians Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Elvis Smylie and Cam Davis, as well as international visitors Carlos Ortiz, Daniel Hillier, Corey Conners and Josele Ballester.