Brian Campbell seized a momentous victory at the Mexico Open, marking his first PGA Tour win in a decade as a professional. The American golfer’s triumph at Vidanta Vallarta was sealed in a captivating playoff against South African talent Aldrich Potgieter, culminating in a birdie on the second extra hole.
Campbell, who carded a final round of 1-under 70, experienced a stroke of incredible luck during the playoff. His tee shot on the second playoff hole, seemingly destined for out-of-bounds, ricocheted off trees and back into play, a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum in his favor. This unexpected break paved the way for Campbell to secure a birdie and ultimately the coveted Mexico Open title.
This victory is transformative for the 31-year-old Campbell. It not only marks his breakthrough on the PGA Tour but also grants him entry into prestigious tournaments including the Masters, The Players Championship, and the PGA Championship. Furthermore, he is now eligible to compete in five of the remaining lucrative $20 million signature events on the PGA Tour schedule.
“To be in this position is just so unreal,” Campbell expressed, visibly moved after sinking the winning birdie putt from just inside four feet on the 18th green. “I can’t believe it, really.” Indeed, beyond skillful play, fortune favored Campbell on this decisive Sunday in Mexico.
The drama unfolded as both Campbell and Potgieter concluded regulation play tied, each birdieing the 18th hole. They commenced the playoff on the same par-5 18th. On the second playoff hole, returning to the 18th green for the third time, Campbell’s wayward tee shot appeared to be heading out-of-bounds.
However, in a twist of fate, the ball struck the trees lining the fairway and bounced back into the rough. While still facing a significant distance disadvantage – 94 yards behind Potgieter – Campbell now had a chance. He strategically used a fairway metal to advance the ball to 68 yards from the pin. His subsequent lob wedge shot landed just short of the hole, setting up the crucial birdie putt.
“You’ve got to get those breaks sometimes,” Campbell acknowledged. “Unfortunately I hit a really bad tee shot there, caught the tree, was able to keep it in play and get ourselves in a good position to get a wedge and keep the pressure on. I was just so happy that I was able to kind of stay in it to the end.”
Potgieter, despite his powerful drives and consistent play throughout the playoff on the 18th fairway, couldn’t capitalize. On the second playoff hole, his approach shot with a 6-iron landed just short of the green and rolled into a bunker. Despite a decent bunker shot, he missed the par putt, opening the door for Campbell’s victory.
For Campbell, this win represents the culmination of years of perseverance. Prior to this Mexico Open triumph, he had played in 186 events on the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours without a victory, earning $1,487,830 in prize money. His winner’s share from the Mexico Open alone is a staggering $1,260,000, exceeding his previous career earnings.
Potgieter, who began the final round with a one-stroke lead, experienced a mixed bag of fortunes on Sunday. Two bogeys on the front nine cost him the lead, but he rallied to catch Campbell, highlighted by an impressive up-and-down on the par-5 14th. Both players carded one more bogey each coming in, ultimately finishing regulation play tied at 20-under 264.
Potgieter, known for his exceptional driving distance throughout the tournament, was unable to fully exploit the par-5 18th in the playoff, despite consistently finding the fairway. “Hopefully, my time will come soon,” said Potgieter, reflecting on the experience. The young South African, who notably won the 2022 British Amateur at just 17 and became the youngest winner on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, added, “Pressure is a big thing. You can’t beat it. You just have to learn and adjust to it the next time.”
Isaiah Salinda delivered a strong performance with a bogey-free 65 to secure solo third place. Aaron Rai, the highest-ranked player in the field at world No. 29, briefly held a share of the lead after an impressive eagle on the par-5 sixth hole. However, he finished at 1-over for the remainder of his round, carding a 67 and tying for fourth place with Ben Griffin.
Campbell attributed his victory to resilience and determination, qualities honed over years of professional golf. His journey includes being the low amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open and earning a PGA Tour card in 2017. Despite facing setbacks, including a return to the Korn Ferry Tour, Campbell persevered. His recent strong performances on the Korn Ferry Tour, including three runner-up finishes, earned him another opportunity on the PGA Tour.
This Mexico Open win provides Campbell with a two-year exemption through 2027 and a packed schedule in March and April, featuring prestigious events like the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players Championship, the Masters, and the RBC Heritage. His dramatic victory in Vallarta marks a significant turning point in his career and a memorable chapter in the history of the Mexico Open.
