Hello Gents,

As the PGA Tour continues its journey through 2025, the action now shifts across the border to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the Mexico Open at Vidanta. The tournament tees off this Thursday at Vidanta Vallarta, where we can expect the typical mix of coastal winds, lush terrain, and stunning views that often shake up the leaderboard.

This young event on the PGA Tour schedule has delivered exciting finishes, and with a $7.3 million purse and 500 FedExCup points on the line, the 2025 edition promises to deliver more of the same. As with past years, the course will reward players with elite driving distance and iron play, setting up a fantastic week of golf.

Course Breakdown:

• Par 71 | 7,456 yards
  • This course offers a true test of skill. With tight fairways, deep bunkers, and water hazards, players will need to hit precise shots to stay in contention. The closing holes provide dramatic risk-reward moments that often decide the champion.

• Signature Hole:
  • The Par-3 17th (190 yards)

• A stunning hole that brings the Pacific Ocean into play. With the ocean breeze swirling, this hole will test both the players’ precision and their ability to handle pressure. The roar of the crowd will echo across the course as the players make their final push toward victory.

• Key to Success:
  • Accurate tee shots and strong wedge play will be key. Players who can shape shots and manage the course’s challenges will have the best chance of hoisting the trophy.

Tournament Format:

• Thursday & Friday:
  • 132 professionals compete to make the 36-hole cut.
• Saturday & Sunday:
  • The top 65 (and ties) battle it out for the title, with the final round setting up for a dramatic showdown.

Favorites:

• Kurt Kitayama (+2200)
• Askay Bhatia (+1400)
• Patrick Rodgers (+2200)
• Taylor Moore (+2500)
  • Moore continues to fly under the radar despite fantastic recent form, including top-20 finishes in major tournaments. 

First-Round Leader:

• Aaron Rai (+4500)
  • Rai may not be a big hitter, but he excels with his long iron play, which will come in handy on Vidanta’s long, demanding holes. I expect him to put together a solid opening round.
• Alejandro Tosti (+7000)
  • A great option at a lower bankroll, with the potential for a strong start.

DK 250K Drive the Green Lineup:

Since there aren’t as many heavy hitters in the lineup this week, you have a great opportunity to pick players at lower price points for your fantasy lineup. This can give you a solid chance to build a competitive roster without blowing your bankroll. Look for players who excel in key areas like accuracy, iron play, and managing wind conditions—these skills will be crucial on a course like Vidanta Vallarta.

• Patrick Rodgers
• Harry Hall
• Michael Kim
• Chris Gotterup
• Erick Van Rooyen

Dark Horse: Harry Hall (SCALLY MAN!) (+3000)

Strong Ball Striking: Hall has shown great consistency with his ball striking, particularly in terms of hitting fairways and finding greens in regulation. This is crucial at Vidanta Vallarta, where accuracy and approach play can make a big difference.

Impressive Approach Game: Hall ranks well in greens in regulation and proximity to the hole, which bodes well for a course that demands solid iron play, especially on the long par-3s and par-4s that require precise approaches.

Comfort on Coastal Courses: Hall has shown solid form on coastal, resort-style courses, which makes Vidanta Vallarta a good fit for his game. Coastal courses tend to reward players who can control their trajectory and take advantage of wind conditions, areas where Hall excels.

Straight Up: Michael Kim (+2500) and Patrick Rodgers (+2200)

Both players excel in tee-to-green consistency and iron play, two of the most important elements at Vidanta.

They are both capable of navigating the long, coastal layout without making big mistakes.

With their recent form and familiarity with this style of course, they should be well-positioned to make a run at the 2025 Mexico Open at Vidanta.

Good luck and hit ’em straight.

Cheers, Gents!