"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. This week, Elliott looks at the playoff battle in Mexico, which ultimately led to Brian Campbell's first win. He also looks at some incredible play in Thailand with Angel Yin coming out on top.
Brian Campbell Captures First PGA TOUR Victory at the 2025 Mexico Open
The 2025 Mexico Open wrapped up on Sunday with a theatrical finish and one that even the best Hollywood scripts could not have drawn up. This week's PGA TOUR stop featured a mix of fresh talent and some fortunate breaks, proving once again that even with a lack of several big names in the field, great drama and compelling storylines always reign supreme on the PGA TOUR some Sunday afternoon. This week's standout moment came from 31-year-old Brian Campbell, who finally claimed his first title after 159 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour and 28 on the PGA TOUR without a win.
The tournament was held at the beautiful Vidanta Vallarta Course, a design by Greg Norman located within the scenic VidantaWorld Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Campbell's path to this victory was a combination of years of dedication and the right timing, reminding us that in golf—and life—staying committed often leads to the most rewarding experiences.
The Winning Moment: Campbell’s Unforgettable Bounce
In a thrilling Sunday finale, Brian Campbell triumphed over 20-year-old rookie Aldrich Potgieter in a sudden-death playoff to secure his first victory on TOUR. With a four-day total of 20-under-par 264, thanks to a pair of birdies on the 18th to end regulation play, Campbell and Potgieter would head to a playoff that would begin back on the 18th tee.
At the conclusion of the first playoff hole on the 540-yard, par-5 18th, the duo would remain tied after a pair of pars. As they returned to the 18th tee for the second playoff hole, Campbell was about to experience one of the most unforgettable strokes of luck seen on the PGA TOUR in quite some time. His tee shot veered right toward the trees and went out of bounds. However, in an unexpected twist, his ball struck the trees, bounced off the cart path, and returned back into play.
"The bounce of a career," remarked NBC’s Notah Begay III, encapsulating what will undoubtedly remain one of the most talked-about moments of the event and possibly the season.
This fortunate bounce allowed Campbell to lay up to within 68 yards before skillfully wedging his third shot to set up a 4-foot birdie putt.
After Potgieter's birdie attempt slipped by to the left side, the door was left wide open for Campbell. With nerves of steel, he sunk the putt, securing his first victory in 186 combined starts on the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour. He later reflected, “It’s what dreams are made of; this is why I’ve worked so hard to get back here.”
Brian Campbell: A Journey of Grit and Determination
At 31, Campbell's path to this first victory has been paved by perseverance. A standout at the University of Illinois, he secured his place on the PGA TOUR in 2024 following three runner-up finishes on the Korn Ferry Tour. This marked a return to the TOUR for Campbell after a significant hiatus since the 2017-18 season. This year's Mexico Open triumph not only marked his first top-10 finish but also came with a well-deserved $1.26 million prize.
Campbell's story exemplifies resilience and determination, making his success a source of inspiration for aspiring players trying to make their way into the professional ranks.
Emerging Stars: Potgieter, Hastings, Ballester Barrio, and Brown
While Campbell's story headlines this year’s Mexico Open, the tournament also showcased promising rookies poised to make their mark. Runner-up Aldrich Potgieter demonstrated commendable composure and skill, proving himself a formidable player with a bright future.
Amateurs Justin Hastings and Jose Luis Ballester Barrio stood out during the week, showing their potential with impressive performances. Hastings ended in a tie for 13th at 13-under par, and Ballester Barrio, one stroke back of Hastings at 12-under par and a tie for 17th.
Additionally, Blades Brown, another promising prospect, successfully made his first cut as a professional, ending his week at 9-under par and a tie for 34th.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Mexico Open was not only a victory for Brian Campbell but also a testament to the incredible talent present on the PGA TOUR. From seasoned players to rookies and even amateurs demonstrating their skills, captivating stories are continually unfolding on the PGA TOUR that extend well beyond household names like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
LPGA TOUR: Angel Yin's Triumphant Return to Victory
In a thrilling conclusion at the Honda LPGA Thailand, Angel Yin marked her triumphant return to the winners' circle, capturing her second career title with a four-day total of 28-under 260. Held at the scenic Siam Country Club in Chon Buri, Thailand, Yin made a birdie on the 18th hole Sunday for a 7-under par 65 closing round, which was just enough to hold off hard-charging Akie Iwai of Japan. Iwai would finish at 27-under par 261, one back of Yin.
Two Stellar Performances
Angel Yin and Akie Iwai both put on remarkable displays of golf this week in Thailand. Yin's four days of 67-64-64-65 for a 28-under par 260 total was the seventh-best 72-hole score in LPGA history. Sei Young Kim holds the record of 257, which was set at the 2018 Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.
However, Yin's victory and impressive four-day total was almost the second headline this week, as Iwai's play was just as remarkable. If it wasn't for a third round of only 1-under par 71, we might have seen a record-shattering week on the LPGA Tour by the rookie. Iwai not only opened with a 10-under par 62 on Thursday but closed with a jaw-dropping 11-under par 61 on Sunday, just one shot shy of Yin. She was hard-charging, too, shooting a 6-under par back nine 30, which included an eagle on the 72nd hole.
Both ladies were phenomenal. Yin hit 87.5% of her fairways while averaging 268 yards off the tee. She hit 92% of her greens in regulation and averaged 28.75 putts per round. Iwai hit 77% of her fairways while averaging 271 yards off the tee and 83% of her greens, averaging 27.25 putts per round.
There is no question about it: the ladies of the LPGA Tour, from top names like Nelly Korda to players like Angel Yin and Akie Iwai, can really, really play some unbelievable golf.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
