Puyat joins Stanford U golf team

MANILA, Philippines - Marcel Puyat has committed to play college golf at Stanford University, fulfilling a life-long dream of joining one of the world’s most prestigious golf schools.

“It’s been a lifelong dream for me, since I was 11 years old, to get accepted and to play golf for Stanford University,” said Puyat.

The 17-year-old Puyat, one of the US-based ICTSI golf scholars, chose Tiger Woods’ alma mater after making unofficial visits to UCLA, California and Duke. He said the final decision came between Stanford and UCLA.

The Bradenton, Florida-based Puyat also considered Standford’s coach Conrad Ray in opting to play for the school starting next year.

“Aside from the school’s excellent practice facility and golf course right on campus, a huge part for me was coach (Conrad) Ray. His relationship with his players and team made an impact on me, and I believe this kind of environment will bring out the best in me.”

Puyat, No. 13 in the Class of 2011 and ranked 28th overall by Golfweek, recently won the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) Under Armour/Hunter Mahan title, rallying from five strokes down to clinch the victory.

He also qualified for this year’s US Junior Amateur Championship slated July 19-24 at the Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada, Michigan.