"Weekend Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. In this installment, PGA Professional and RG’s Lead Golf Writer, Brendon, looks at how the weekend is shaping up as the PGA TOUR visits Mexico and the LPGA Tour is in Thailand.
PGA TOUR: Aldrich Potgieter’s Memorable Second Round Shakes Up the Mexico Open
The PGA TOUR's Mexico Open intensified on Friday as excitement built over a potential 59 late into the second round. Although young South African prodigy Aldrich Potgieter couldn't achieve that elusive score, he still put on an impressive display, finishing with a remarkable 10-under par 61 on Friday. This performance earned him a four-shot lead at the top of the leaderboard heading into moving day.
At just 20 years old, Potgieter may not yet be a household name on the PGA TOUR, but he is already familiar with high-pressure situations. Last year, at the age of 19, he made history by becoming the youngest player to win on the Korn Ferry Tour. Additionally, he previously secured victory at The 2022 Amateur Championship when he was just 17.
Although Potgieter has gained some notoriety early in his rookie campaign this year as a complete bomber off the tee, where he leads the TOUR in Driving Distance, his success through two rounds has been thanks to the other tools in his toolbox. Through 36 holes, he leads the field in SG Putting, is tied for second in scrambling, second in Putts Per GIR, third in Greens in Regulation, and fourth in SG Approach.
At just 20 years old, Potgieter seems poised to make a significant statement this weekend in Mexico. However, as is always the case on the PGA TOUR, no lead, even a four-stroke one, is safe over the final 36 holes.
Stephan Jaeger, Brian Campbell, and Others Chasing
Chasing closely behind Potgieter are Stephan Jaeger and Brian Campbell, both of whom are eager to close the gap as they head into the weekend. Jaeger's second-round 7-under par 64 backed up his opening 5-under par 66 to put him deadlocked with Campbell at 12-under. A steady 65-65 opening 36 put Campbell in his tie for second.
England’s Aaron Rai, the tournament's highest-ranked player at world No. 29, turned in an impressive 7-under par 64 on Friday, which was highlighted by an eagle two on the short par four seventh, where he hit his tee shot to 14 feet. Rai remains firmly in contention, sitting just five shots behind Potgieter. Ben Griffin, on the strength of a Friday 6-under par 65, and Akshay Bhatia, who carded a 5-under par 66, are also in the mix at 10 under par. Griffin and Bhatia are also joined by Isaiah Salinda, who gained his PGA TOUR card for this season by way of finishing inside the top 30 on last year's Korn Ferry Tour.
New Kid on the Block
The young American, Blades Brown, has become a talking point after making his first cut as a professional at only 17 years old. His performance not only reflects his potential but also the growing pool of young talent emerging in the golfing world. Brown sits in a tie for 40th at 5-under par through 36 holes.
Two Amateurs Find Their Way to Weekend
21-year-old's Justin Hastings and Jose Luis Ballester Barrio both found their way to weekend play and in the mix. Hastings sits in a tie for 29th at 6-under par, while Ballester Barrio is 4-under par and in a tie for 51st.
Final Thoughts Heading into the Weekend
As in all of the PGA TOUR's "secondary" events, The Mexico Open brings together a diverse lineup of both seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talents. As play moves into the weekend, all eyes are squarely focused on Aldrich Potgieter. Will his four-shot cushion be enough for this rookie to notch his first PGA TOUR win? Will he stretch his lead even more? Those questions will soon be answered.
LPGA: Akie Iwai Leads at Honda LPGA Thailand
After a brilliant opening round of 10-under par 62, Akie Iwai backed that up with a 5-under par 67 on Friday for a two-day total of 15-under 129. The 22-year-old, who earned her LPGA tour membership after finishing in a tie for fifth at the LPGA Final Qualifier last year, has navigated the Siam Country Club Old Course with veteran-like skill through two rounds.
Missing only one fairway and two greens, American Angel Yin put on a spectacular show with an 8-under 64 on Friday, placing her in a solid second position on the leaderboard. Yin’s exceptional ball striking was complimented by her control on the greens, needing only 27 putts in the second round, three less than she had in her opening round of 5-under par 67.
World Number 2 in the Mix on Her Birthday
Celebrating her 22nd birthday, Thailand’s own Jeeno Thitikul dazzled local fans by matching Yin's 8-under par 64 on Friday, putting her at 12-under par and three back of Iwai. Thitikul, the world No. 2 player, displayed a remarkable combination of accuracy and power, hitting all but two of her fairways on the day while averaging 262 yards off the tee. That tee-to-green play was not to be outdone by her prowess with the putter, as she only needed 26 putts in the second round. Thitikul opened the tournament on Thursday with a 4-under par 68, which was highlighted by four straight birdies to end that day's round.
Final Thoughts
Will Iwai hold her ground, or will Yin or Thitikul seize the spotlight? Could a player from further down on the leaderboard make a surprising charge over the weekend? The stage is set, and the competition is intense. The final two rounds promise a thrilling showdown as Iwai strives to maintain her lead while Yin and Thitikul relentlessly pursue her. Ultimately, the Siam Country Club's Old Course will determine who emerges as the champion.
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.
