{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/680a0159fcccdba3a5365c3e/6ae546cb7fb1a4259c0bfe44?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Novak Goes Low in Mexico & Clark's Shocking Exit - October 31st, 2026","description":"<p>On October 31st, 2026, we recap Rounds 1 and 2 of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, where Andrew Novak surged to a commanding lead and Wyndham Clark suffered a stunning early exit.</p><p><br></p><h3>THE LEADERBOARD &amp; THE CUT</h3><ul><li>Andrew Novak absolutely dismantled the Greg Norman design, firing a blistering second-round 61 to secure a three-shot lead at 14-under. Meanwhile, heavy favorite Wyndham Clark shockingly missed the even-par cut (69-73) despite birdying every par-5 in Round 1.</li><li>Rafael Campos (166th in FedExCup Fall) shot a clutch 72-64 to make the 4-under cut, highlighted by a 30-yard chip-in on the 12th after ditching the lines on his golf ball to putt purely on feel.</li><li>Campos is battling immense emotional pressure to secure his Tour card and provide for his family, showing incredible resilience to stay in the fight for his livelihood.</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>COMEBACKS &amp; AMATEUR HOUR</h3><ul><li>Ben Griffin returned from left knee tendinitis and PRP injections to sit at 11-under, leading Round 1 in SG: Putting (159 feet made) with a new TaylorMade Spider putter and Phil Mickelson’s ex-caddie, Jon Yarbrough.</li><li>Speaking on parting ways with his former caddie to hire Yarbrough, Griffin noted, &quot;We changed each others lives.&quot;</li><li>20-year-old amateur Kihei Akina (-11) hit a 287-yard mini-driver for eagle, secured his 12th PGA Tour U point, leaned on Luke Clanton for mentorship, and even found time to visit the local circus.</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>COURSE QUIRKS &amp; HIGHLIGHTS</h3><ul><li>Veterans Henrik Stenson and Zach Johnson compared the lightning-fast Vidanta greens to Augusta National, with Johnson proving his precision by sticking a 109-yard wedge to just 3.5 feet on the 18th hole.</li><li>David Skinns finally recorded his first career hole-in-one on the 134-yard 7th hole—an ace that was 1,186 par-3s in the making.</li><li>Adrien Dumont de Chassart is fueling his week with nightly ribeye tacos while praising the heart-shaped 17th green, though hometown favorite Alvaro Ortiz found heartbreak by hitting into the water on 18.</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>Quick Hits</h3><p>Karl Vilips (141st) battled congestion to shoot a career-low 62 before a roller-coaster 74 • Kensei Hirata set up a brilliant eagle using a 7-wood • John Daly II showcased massive power with stock yardages of 305 (driver), 270 (mini-driver), and 240 (3-iron)</p>","author_name":"Golf.ai"}