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The PGA TOUR heads south of the border this week for the Mexico Open at Vidanta, a tournament set against the stunning backdrop of Vidanta Vallarta Golf Course in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This par-71 track stretches out to a whopping 7,456 yards, making it a true test of power over precision. Designed by Greg Norman, Vidanta Vallarta is characterized by wide fairways, large greens, and minimal rough, rewarding the big hitters who can carry their drives deep into the landing zones.
The grass type at Vidanta is Paspalum, a surface known for its stickiness and slower speeds compared to the traditional Bentgrass or Bermuda. Hole 7, a par 5 at 603 yards, and Hole 12, a par 4 at 506 yards, highlight the length required to navigate this course efficiently. With very few obstacles penalizing errant drives, longer hitters enjoy a distinct advantage, making it a prime spot for bombers who aren’t afraid to sacrifice a little accuracy off the tee.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top golfers in the field, including a few key bets that provide strong upside given the course dynamics.
Kevin Roy (+6000)
Kevin Roy enters the Mexico Open with a solid run of form, gaining 0.67 strokes per round in his last five starts. While his course fit isn't among the very best in the field, his length off the tee gives him a fighting chance on a layout like Vidanta. Ranked 19th this season in average driving distance, Roy clocks in at 14 yards longer than the average PGA TOUR player, which will be a major asset in tackling the lengthy par 4s and par 5s. If he can maintain a decent level of approach play, he has the potential to make some noise this week.
Kevin Yu (+3500)
Kevin Yu might be one of the best value plays in the field this week. His game lines up well for Vidanta Vallarta, where he ranks as the 7th-best course fit in the field. He’s also 7th in strokes gained off the tee on par 4s, a critical stat considering the number of lengthy two-shot holes this week. Over his last five starts, he’s gained 0.316 strokes per round, and more importantly, he’s shown strength in his approach shots from 150-200 yards (0.033 strokes gained)—a key distance range this week. If he can keep the putter warm, expect Yu to be in contention come Sunday.
David Lipsky (+27500)
For those looking for a high-upside longshot, David Lipsky fits the bill. While he hasn’t been in the spotlight much this season, his tournament history at the Mexico Open is quietly strong, gaining 0.726 strokes per round, with most of that coming from his elite approach play and putting. Lipsky has also shown consistency in approach shots from 150+ yards, meaning he has the tools to score well on Vidanta’s long par 4s. At these odds, he’s worth a look as a dark horse to crack the top of the leaderboard.
Beyond the outright winners, there’s solid value in the top-20 market with these selections:
Patrick Rodgers (+130) – A consistent ball-striker with the ability to go low in weak fields.
Aldrich Porgeiter (+320) – A rising talent showing promising form in similar course conditions.
Chris Gotterup (+320) – Another long hitter who could take advantage of Vidanta’s wide fairways.
Trey Mullinax (+335) – A bomber who thrives on courses where distance outweighs precision.
The Mexico Open at Vidanta is shaping up to be a showcase of raw power, with bombers holding the edge on this expansive, Paspalum-covered track. While players with strong approach play and putting will have their opportunities, the advantage remains with those who can dominate off the tee.
With Kevin Yu’s elite ball-striking, Kevin Roy’s length, and David Lipsky’s course history, these bets offer strong value heading into the week. Keep an eye on these players as they battle for supremacy in one of the most scenic stops on the PGA TOUR calendar!
