Campbell's First Victory... 'Even Helped the Tree'

Campbell Defeats Potgieter in Mexico Open Playoff
Second Playoff Tee Shot Hits Tree, Bounces Back In for Lucky Break
Salinda Finishes Third, Rai Ties for Fourth, Bhatia Takes Ninth Place

The sky was on his side. Luck also struck when his overtime tee shot hit a tree and bounced in. Brian Campbell (USA), ranked 222nd in the world, claimed his first career victory.

Brian Campbell is teeing off on the 7th hole of the 4th round at the Mexico Open. Puerto Vallarta=AFP·Yonhap News

On the 23rd (local time), at Vidanta Vallarta (par 71, 7,436 yards) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, during the 4th round of the PGA Tour Mexico Open at Vidanta World (total prize money $7 million), Campbell reduced his score by one stroke to tie with Aldrich Potgieter (South Africa) at 20 under par 264. Then, on the second hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (par 5), he secured the winning birdie. This marked his first career win, shaking off the misfortune of five runner-up finishes on the PGA Korn Ferry (second-tier) Tour. He earned $1.26 million (approximately 1.8 billion KRW) in prize money.

Starting one stroke behind in a tie for second place, Campbell carded four birdies and three bogeys. His birdie on the final 18th hole brought him into the playoff. In the first playoff hole, both players made par, but on the second playoff hole, Campbell’s tee shot veered right and flew into an out-of-bounds (OB) area. However, it hit a tree and bounced back into the course. He then hit his third shot to within one meter of the hole and sank the winning birdie to clinch the title. In a post-win interview, Campbell said, "I want to thank my family and the staff who helped me. The second playoff tee shot was lucky. I succeeded by playing according to my plan without worrying about my opponent being a long hitter."

Potgieter, who led the previous day, was satisfied with the runner-up position after failing to reduce his score. He is a rising star who set the record as the youngest winner (19 years, 4 months, and 11 days) at the Korn Ferry Tour Bahamas Great Abaco Classic last January. Isaiah Salinda (USA) showed strong finishing power with a 6-under-par round but settled for third place (19 under par 265).

World No. 29 Aaron Rai (England) tied for 4th place (18 under par 266), Akshay Bhatia finished 9th (15 under par 269), Michael Kim tied for 13th (13 under par 271), Kim Chan tied for 17th (12 under par 272), and defending champion Jake Knapp (all USA) ended the tournament tied for 25th (11 under par 273). The only Korean player to participate, Lee Kyung-hoon, was cut after the second round with 2 under par, falling one stroke short of the cut line at 3 under par.