GOLF
Who is playing in the Mexico Open? Field, top players, and predictions
The field is deeper this year with 21 of the PGA Tour Top 100 playing this week, but only four of the Top 50 players including Finau, the last year’s winner
This week, the PGA Tour has a buffer week at the Mexico Open between the end of the West Coast Swing and the beginning of the Florida Swing next week. As the Mexico Open approaches, here’s a breakdown of key players to watch and consider for this challenging tournament.
Cameron Champ: Horse for the Course or Current Form Concerns?
Cameron Champ has recently performed well in the Mexico Open, finishing sixth and eighth. However, his current form raises concerns as he has been struggling to make cuts in 2024. Despite his ability to drive the ball long distances off the tee, Champ’s poor approach and putting stats raise doubts about his ability to compete. Although his past success may be tempting, it is advisable to exercise caution when considering Champ as a winning option.
Tony Finau: Tempting Odds Mask Putting Woes
Tony Finau is a fan favorite at the tournament and has had great success in the past. However, his recent putting statistics are similar to Cameron Champ’s, which could raise concerns about his ability to perform well again. Even though Finau is very talented, his short price might not be worth it due to his putting struggles. With favorites having difficulty in recent events, it might be risky to consider Finau as a potential winner at this stage.
Michael Kim and other “underdogs”
Michael Kim may not be a well-known figure in the golfing world, but his recent performance and impressive iron play make him a promising contender to keep an eye on. Despite being an underdog, he has managed to achieve respectable finishes in previous tournaments and boasts impressive statistics in crucial areas such as strokes gained on approach and putting. Kim offers tempting odds for those willing to take a risk on a dark horse.
Players such as Just Lower, Carson Young, and Alejandro Tosy present opportunities to surprise, and despite their modest price tags, they have consistently made cuts. They also have the potential to exceed expectations in the Mexico Open. Jake Naap stands out as a relative unknown, making his PGA Tour debut. Despite his lack of experience on the big stage, Naap has shown flashes of brilliance in recent tournaments, including an impressive tie for third at Tory Pines. Naap’s raw talent and competitive spirit make him a compelling option for the top 20 leaderboards.