Karl Vilips takes Mexico Open lead with a 62

Karl Vilips took the Mexico Open lead after Thursday’s first round with a 62, nine under par. On the Vidanta Vallarta layout, he made five consecutive birdies on holes 11 through 15, then closed with four more in a row. The opening day begins a run of two consecutive PGA Tour events in the country.

The two streaks surrounded a less consistent spell in which Vilips made another birdie and a bogey. He summed up his start by saying, “Had it on a string for the first nine.” He then acknowledged losing a little control in the middle before finding his rhythm again towards the end. Players were allowed to lift, clean and place the ball that day. Vilips said finding the fairway was essential and that he made the most of his drives.

The lead comes after a significant career win: in 2025, Vilips won the Puerto Rico Open, his only PGA Tour title. That victory secured his exemption on the circuit through the following season.

Mexico’s Alvaro Ortiz opened with a 65. “It was lovely,” he said. He described a bogey-free round in which he felt comfortable and gave himself plenty of chances. Ortiz also felt he had played well from tee to green. In 2021, he won the event when it was on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica schedule.

Other players also reflected on their rounds. Speaking about his eagle, Hirata said the distance was perfect for his 7-wood and that the shot left him an easy putt. He added that the ball then went in, keeping his momentum going over the rest of the back nine. Penge said he had not played much this year because of health issues: “I’m really just trying to get fit again.”

Vilips is therefore the player to catch after the first round, while Ortiz’s performance and the other competitors’ comments offer an early glimpse of the tournament’s developing story.