Karl Vilips Takes One-Shot Lead at Mexico Open With Opening 62

Karl Vilips recorded a 9-under 62 on Thursday to take the first-round lead at the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta.

Karl Vilips holds a one-stroke lead at the Mexico Open after shooting a 9-under 62 during Thursday's opening round at Vidanta Vallarta. The 25-year-old Australian, currently 141st in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, recorded five consecutive birdies on holes 11 through 15 and closed his round with four straight birdies. The afternoon session utilized lift, clean, and place rules, helping Vilips navigate the course with only one bogey.

Kensei Hirata sits in second place following a round of 63. Hirata’s performance was highlighted by a 20-foot eagle putt on the third hole and two additional birdie conversions from beyond 20 feet. Ben Griffin trails the lead by two strokes after carding a 64, sharing third place with Marco Penge, Garrick Higgo, and Jeffrey Kang. Penge, who is 112th in the standings, also eagled the third hole with an 18-foot putt.

Alvaro Ortiz opened with a bogey-free 65, placing him three shots back. Ortiz, a former winner of this event when it was part of the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, recently secured his 2027 PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour. Defending champion Brian Campbell and Tom Kim both finished the day at 4-under 67. Kim is competing for the first time since earning an Asian Games gold medal.

World number ten Wyndham Clark posted a 2-under 69, while John Daly II opened with a 70 while playing on a sponsor exemption. The tournament is the first of two consecutive PGA Tour stops in Mexico, with the field traveling to El Cardonal at Diamante next week for the World Wide Technology Championship.