VALLARTA, Mexico (AP) — Brian Campbell had a lucky break in the Mexico Open this Sunday. During a playoff, his tee shot hit the trees but bounced back into play. This fortunate moment helped him secure a birdie on the second playoff hole, allowing him to win against Aldrich Potgieter.
This victory at Vidanta Vallarta is Campbell’s first since he turned pro ten years ago. He finished his final round with a score of 1-under 70. Winning couldn’t have come at a better time for him.
Thanks to this win, Campbell earns spots in prestigious tournaments like the Masters, The Players Championship, and the PGA Championship, plus entry into several of the high-stakes events on the PGA Tour schedule.
“It’s just unreal to be in this position,” said the 31-year-old Campbell after sinking a birdie putt on the 18th green to clinch the victory. “I can’t actually believe it.”
Despite playing well, Campbell knew he needed luck on his side. Both he and Potgieter managed to birdie the 18th hole in regulation, and they started the playoff with a par. When they returned to the par-5 18th for the third time, Campbell hit a low shot that veered near the out-of-bounds area. Fortunately, it hit a tree and bounced back into the rough. Though he was still behind Potgieter, he had a chance. He hit a fairway metal and followed up with a lob wedge that almost reached the hole.
“You need breaks sometimes,” Campbell acknowledged. “I was happy to stay in the competition until the end.”
Potgieter, who shot a 71, hit the 18th fairway during the playoff but found it tough to convert. The first time, he overshot the green with a hard draw. On his second shot, he seemed poised for success until his ball fell just short and rolled into a bunker. After struggling to get out, he missed a crucial birdie putt, opening the door for Campbell.
Before this win, Campbell had played 186 tournaments on both the Korn Ferry and PGA Tour without a victory, earning about $1.5 million. This win earned him $1.26 million.
As for Potgieter, he began the final round with a one-shot lead but fell behind with two bogeys on the front nine. He managed to recover with a fantastic up-and-down on the 14th hole. But in the end, both ended up at 20-under 264.
“I hope my time comes soon,” said Potgieter, who made waves at 17 as the youngest winner on the Korn Ferry Tour. He reflected on the pressure he felt in the playoff, saying, “You just have to learn and adjust.”
Isaiah Salinda finished in third place with a score of 65, and Aaron Rai, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 29, tied for fourth with Ben Griffin. Rai had a brief lead with an eagle on the sixth hole but finished with a 67.
Reflecting on his long journey, Campbell credited his persistence. He played college golf at Illinois and was the low amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open. Although he faced challenges, including a rough start in his first attempt at the PGA Tour, he kept pushing forward. His hard work paid off, leading to a full schedule ahead with big tournaments lined up.
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