Novak claims first individual PGA Tour win at Mexico Open
A three-birdie stretch on the back nine secured a five-shot victory and secured the player's tour card for 2027.
By Lauren Mitchell ·
Andrew Novak captured his first individual PGA Tour title on Sunday at Vidanta Vallarta, finishing at five under par with a final round of 69. The win ends a dry spell for the American and locks in his status on the tour for next season.
Novak entered the final day with a six-shot lead after rounds of 61 and 62. A bogey on the 10th hole reduced that cushion to three shots over Steven Fisk and Kristoffer Ventura. The lead held until Novak executed a critical sequence on the back nine.
The American hit a greenside bunker shot to four feet on the par-5 12th. He then drove the 13th green to 15 feet for a two-putt birdie and finished the run with a 45-foot putt on the 14th. Novak described the stretch as settling the match, noting he was happy with how he grinded out the round.
Ventura, a Mexico-born Norwegian, finished second with a 63. The result was vital for his career because he sat at No. 108 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings before the round. Only the top 100 players retain full tour cards for 2027. His runner-up finish moved him to No. 76, securing his spot on the tour.
Mackenzie Hughes of Canada finished tied for fourth with a 66. He climbed to No. 101 in the FedEx Cup, a position that offers a manageable path to keeping his card with three tournaments remaining. Hughes said the result provides momentum for the final stretch of the season, even though he still needs more points.
Ben Griffin also tied for fourth with a 67. Griffin was Novak's partner when they won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last year. Novak acknowledged that while he enjoyed the team victory, having an individual title on his resume is a milestone he has pursued for some time.
The win elevates Novak from No. 89 to No. 53 in the FedEx Cup. This position makes him a strong candidate for invitation to two $20 million signature events next year at Pebble Beach and Riviera. It also guarantees he will start the 2028 season on the upper Championship Series.
Kihei Akina, a 20-year-old sophomore at BYU, posted a final round of 59 to finish 15th. It marks his third top-20 finish on the PGA Tour this year.
Source: ESPN
