Mexico Open at Vidanta First Rounder Leader Predictions, Picks: Can Gary Woodland, Patrick Rodgers Start Fast?
The PGA Tour heads south of the border this week for the first time this season, as the 2023 Mexico Open is set to tee off from Vidanta Vallarta. Johnny Covers takes a closer look at who could get off to a hot start in Mexico on Thursday morning.
Johnny Covers - April 26, 2023, 9:13 AM EDT
5 minMexico Open at Vidanta First Rounder Leader Predictions, Picks: Can Gary Woodland, Patrick Rodgers Start Fast?
The PGA Tour heads south of the border this week for the first time this season, as the 2023 Mexico Open is set to tee off from Vidanta Vallarta. Ironically, the course this week is owned by PGA Tour bad guy Greg Norman, who has been taunting the Tour while making strides in his new LIV Golf league. Nevertheless, the Tour will still honor its obligation to this event, despite the field being less than stellar as things quiet down ahead of the busy summer schedule.
Currently sitting at just +260, Jon Rahm is this week’s favorite, followed by Tony Finao at +800 and a string of other mid-tier players beginning at +1600 and beyond. A weak field such as this one is certainly the downside to the designated event schedule we have this season, which of course, is also in direct competition with LIV. This event also happens to sit right in the middle of the Tour’s stint on the East Coast, as Puerto Vallarta sits on the West Coast of Mexico.
Even still, there is a host of considerable underrated talent trailing behind Rahm and Finau on the odds board, with Maverick McNealy and Alex Noren headlining a field of younger guys looking to break through. As for the course itself, long hitters should be rewarded handsomely, as Vidanta Vallarta comes in at over 7,500 yards in total.
With that, let’s take a closer look at three guys that could get off to a hot start in Mexico on Thursday morning.
2023 Mexico Open Start Time and Where to Watch
- Dates: April 27 - April 30, 2023
- Where: Vidanta Vallarta - Villa Hidalgo, Mexico
- Where to Watch: Golf Channel, CBS, ESPN+, Paramount+
Mexico Open at Vidanta First Round Leader Predictions
Gary Woodland
It’s been nearly three full years since we last saw Woodland claim victory on the PGA Tour, and he comes to Vallarta looking at a course that suits his game. A long hitter, Woodland has been dialed on the ball striking as of late, No. 2 in the field in SG: Ball Striking over his last nine events.
While his short game has struggled, his putting has been improving every week this season, helping to a T31 finish last week at the RBC Heritage, shooting below par all four days. Looking for a hot start from the veteran here.
Patrick Rodgers
One of the best guys on Tour yet to break through with a win, Rodgers has shown flashes this season, showing just how capable he is. With pair of top 10s already under his belt just a few months into the season, Rodgers also has a 10th-place finish here last year. His game is much improved since then.
Beau Hossler
Hossler and teammate Wyndham Clark looked sharp last week, sitting in first place in a crowded field into Sunday. Though they faded down the stretch, Hossler still has six top-25 finishes this season to his name.
Mexico Open at Vidanta First Round Leader Picks
- Gary Woodland +2200 is currently the best odds. Click here to find out which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
- Patrick Rodgers +2800 is currently the best odds. Click here to find out which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
- Beau Hossler +3500 is currently the best odds. Click here to find out which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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