Rodgers, Potgieter Set to Shine in Mexico Open’s First Round

VALLARTA, Mexico — The 2025 Mexico Open at VidantaWorld kicks off on Thursday, featuring a competitive field of 132 golfers. As the PGA Tour transitions from California to Mexico, players are anticipating a chance to excel on the Greg Norman-designed par-71 course, providing a unique opportunity for lesser-known talent to emerge.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the Mexico Open is held at VidantaWorld, a 7,456-yard course renowned for its manageable rough and birdie-friendly Par 4s. Recent champions, including Tony Finau and Jon Rahm, demonstrate that power hitters flourish in this environment, which historically yields low scores.

Among the notable picks for the first round is Patrick Rodgers, who enters the tournament following a strong performance at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished tied for third. Rodgers is well-acquainted with the challenges of VidantaWorld, finishing in the top 10 in all three of his previous appearances. “If I can carry over the momentum from last week, I could definitely go low,” Rodgers stated.

In addition to Rodgers, Aldrich Potgieter, a promising 20-year-old rookie, is poised to make a mark. Having secured his only professional victory on a similar setup during the Korn Ferry Tour, Potgieter’s power off the tee positions him favorably. Currently ranked first in driving distance and second in strokes gained off the tee on the PGA Tour this season, Potgieter’s performance will depend on his ability to navigate the greens effectively.

The Mexico Open will follow a traditional cut format, adding further urgency for players hoping to demonstrate skill against a lower-profile field. With only a few top players in attendance, performers like Rodgers and Potgieter have a prime opportunity to claim an early lead.

As anticipation builds, golfers and fans alike are eager to witness which competitor will rise to the occasion in the tournament’s first round.