Coach Matt Thurmond signed a pair of top-tier amateur golfers for the 2019-20 season. David Puig of El Garriga, Spain and Ryggs Johnston of Libby High School in Libby, MT will join the team in the fall of 2019.This is one of my favorite days of the year. We are adding two big-time players to our squad. Welcome Ryggs and David! ???????? pic.twitter.com/wXQb0fDC21
— Matt Thurmond (@MattThurmond) November 14, 2018
LINK: Libby's Ryggs Johnston fires a 61, breaks Whitefish Golf Club north course record
"There are several key things we look for in recruits to make them worthy of the Sun Devil uniform," says Sun Devil men's golf head coach Matt Thurmond. "Two of those things that jump out for both Ryggs and David are Sun Devil passion, and an ability to win. Both of those guys need an extra room in their house for all the trophies they've won, and both could have gone to pretty much any school but wanted to be here."
Puig will join junior Alex del Rey as the two Spaniards on the squad, both following in the footsteps of former Sun Devil and current PGA Tour superstar Jon Rahm and 2003 NCAA champion and Sun Devil Hall of Famer Alejandro Canizares."Being a Sun Devil is a dream come true! Following in the footsteps of Jon ( @JonRahmpga ) and Phil ( @PhilMickelson ) is one of the best moments of my life." -- David Puig pic.twitter.com/rMqkaKO52g
— Sun Devil Men's Golf (@sundevilmgolf) November 14, 2018
"For me being a Sun Devil is a dream come true," says Puig. "Following the steps of Jon and Phil is one of the best moments of my life."
David Puig Top Accomplishments
European Boys Champion
2018 Spanish Champion U18
2017 Runner Up World Championship
2018 Internacional de España U18 Champion
2017 Copa Puerta de Hierro Champion
"David joins a line of special Spanish players in our program" says coach Thurmond. "Jon Rahm and Alex del Rey just missed each other, but this time Alex and David will cross over for a season and I think that will be really good. David hits the ball very straight, has a magical short game, and loves to win. I just love watching him play golf. He has so much energy and flare in his game."
Johnston comes to the Valley of the Sun from Montana where he has had an astounding junior career, winning four consecutive state championships on top of all of his other accolades."Becoming a Sun Devil has been a dream of mine since I was little. I'm very excited for the opportunity to join a great team and to push myself to new levels both on the course and in the classroom." -- Ryggs Johnston @rjgolfer2000 pic.twitter.com/mS4005sDTF
— Sun Devil Men's Golf (@sundevilmgolf) November 14, 2018
LINK: Ryggs Johnston runs away from field
"Becoming a Sun Devil has been a dream of mine since I was little," says Johnston. "I'm very excited for the opportunity to join a great team of players and coaches to push myself to new levels both on the golf course and in the classroom."
Ryggs Johnston Top Accomplishments
Won 2018 Men's State Am by 8 Strokes
Won four State High School Championships
Qualified for the US-AM at the age of 15
Placed third at the Western Juniors at the age of 16
"They will enter a squad that will be loaded with talent and experience," says coach Thurmond. "It will be challenging for them to jump right in and make an impact when they arrive, but both of them have enough skill and presence to do just that."I attended the signing of the letter of intent by a local high school golf rock star Ryggs Johnston! He personally thanked me for the course I have put together for him to practice on these last 8 years! I will always remember this high praise from such a remarkable young man! pic.twitter.com/yVqRPNL5N7
— Jerad Dill (@CVGCSUPER) November 14, 2018
Ryggs Johnston wins 4th consecutive state golf title; Butte Central's Tricia Joyce wins State A girls; Laurel sweeps team titles https://t.co/7HD31zoJbT
— Montana Sports (@montanasports) October 1, 2018