Novak Goes Low in Mexico & Clark's Shocking Exit - October 31st, 2026

On October 31st, 2026, we recap Rounds 1 and 2 of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, where Andrew Novak surged to a commanding lead and Wyndham Clark suffered a stunning early exit. THE LEADERBOARD & THE CUT Andrew Novak absolutely dismantled the Greg Norman design, firing a blistering second-round 61 to secure a three-shot lead at 14-under. Meanwhile, heavy favorite Wyndham Clark shockingly missed the even-par cut (69-73) despite birdying every par-5 in Round 1. Rafael Campos (166th in FedExCup Fall) shot a clutch 72-64 to make the 4-under cut, highlighted by a 30-yard chip-in on the 12th after ditching the lines on his golf ball to putt purely on feel. Campos is battling immense emotional pressure to secure his Tour card and provide for his family, showing incredible resilience to stay in the fight for his livelihood. COMEBACKS & AMATEUR HOUR Ben Griffin returned from left knee tendinitis and PRP injections to sit at 11-under, leading Round 1 in SG: Putting (159 feet made) with a new TaylorMade Spider putter and Phil Mickelson’s ex-caddie, Jon Yarbrough. Speaking on parting ways with his former caddie to hire Yarbrough, Griffin noted, "We changed each others lives." 20-year-old amateur Kihei Akina (-11) hit a 287-yard mini-driver for eagle, secured his 12th PGA Tour U point, leaned on Luke Clanton for mentorship, and even found time to visit the local circus. COURSE QUIRKS & HIGHLIGHTS Veterans Henrik Stenson and Zach Johnson compared the lightning-fast Vidanta greens to Augusta National, with Johnson proving his precision by sticking a 109-yard wedge to just 3.5 feet on the 18th hole. David Skinns finally recorded his first career hole-in-one on the 134-yard 7th hole—an ace that was 1,186 par-3s in the making. Adrien Dumont de Chassart is fueling his week with nightly ribeye tacos while praising the heart-shaped 17th green, though hometown favorite Alvaro Ortiz found heartbreak by hitting into the water on 18. Quick Hits Karl Vilips (141st) battled congestion to shoot a career-low 62 before a roller-coaster 74 • Kensei Hirata set up a brilliant eagle using a 7-wood • John Daly II showcased massive power with stock yardages of 305 (driver), 270 (mini-driver), and 240 (3-iron) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.