Players mourn loss of Puma Domínguez’s wife

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – For the many who know and love Puma Domínguez, golf has been an afterthought this weekend at the PGA TOUR Americas Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club. The 38-year-old veteran from San Luis, Argentina, had to withdraw while playing the second round on Friday afternoon after learning that his beloved wife Victoria was in critical condition after getting sick with dengue fever. Victoria's health deteriorated rather quickly, and she tragically passed away while Puma was making the 5,000-mile trip back home.

The disturbing news that will affect the lives of Domínguez and his two children, Constantino and Hipólito, who are only 4 and 1, respectively, also impacted his friends and colleagues on Tour early on Saturday. Having shared countless tournaments and trips with this warm, easygoing man, the Argentine players competing here were especially shocked.

“We are in shock," said his longtime friend and fellow professional Rafael Echenique, who grew up playing the game with Puma in their hometown’s San Luis Golf Club. "This is a huge tragedy."

Playing great on a day when it was hard to play golf, Jaime López Rivarola could hardly enjoy a third-round-low, 6-under 65 that helped him charge into a tie for sixth through 54 holes.

“I have shot happier 65s,” said the Buenos Aires native in a somber tone after a round that featured seven birdies and one bogey.

“With the news we got (on Saturday) morning it was tough to get going and focus," added López Rivarola. "Things went well for me, but it was a weird day without much emphasis on the golf. We want (Puma) to know that all his friends and colleagues are here thinking of him. We don’t want him to feel alone.”

In support of Puma and his family, during this Sunday’s final round at Atlas Country Club players and PGA TOUR Americas staffers are wearing black ribbons.

“We are praying for him and for his family to remain strong and handle such a difficult situation in the best possible way,” added Echenique.

A pro since 2005, Domínguez has played on the Tour de las Americas (2007-12), the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica (2012-23), the European Challenge Tour (2007-08) and the Korn Ferry Tour, where he was a member in 2017. Coming back from a wrist surgery that put his career in jeopardy, he was able to claim the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica’s 2019 Argentina Classic for his lone win in 152 PGA TOUR-sanctioned starts. This season, he joined PGA TOUR Americas as a conditional member after finishing 63rd on the 2023 PGA TOUR Latinoamérica’s points list.