Tony Finau won the 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta this past Sunday with a winning score of -24, three shots better than runner-up and defending champion Jon Rahm. On Saturday, Jon tied his career low round and set the Vidanta course record with a 61 to get him into contention for the final round. It wasn’t enough as Tony played superbly all week, recording only three bogies the whole week and none in the final round.
The Vidanta Vallarta Course in Vallarta, Mexico is hosting the Mexico Open from 2022 through 2024. The course was designed by Greg Norman and plays as a “bomber’s paradise” for the tournament, with wide open landing areas and forgiving rough.
Though the Mexico Open has only been an official PGA Tour event since 2022, it has a long history. First played in 1944, the list of past champions contains many big names including Ben Crenshaw and Lee Trevino.
It is one of six national open tournaments featured on the PGA Tour. The other five are the Puerto Rico Open, RBC Canadian Open, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and the Genesis Scottish Open.
An open golf tournament by definition is open to anyone. You or I could enter a U.S. Open qualifying tournament, provided we work hard to get our handicap index down to 1.4 or less and pay the required fee. The closest 2023 U.S. Open qualifier to me took place on yesterday, Tuesday, May 2nd at Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton, Wisconsin. Four golfers qualified from the field.
National open golf tournaments stir up a lot of interest for golf in their country. The Mexico Open has been a big part of growing golf in Mexico. Top Mexican professional and collegiate golfers receive sponsor exemptions. We enjoy cheering on our country’s representatives in sporting competitions. Imagine the feeling of being able to qualify for your national open golf tournament. We may never play golf well enough to be eligible to play in our country’s open, but we can immerse ourselves in the tournament by becoming a volunteer. Check out volunteer opportunities at the Mexico Open.
There is nothing wrong with identifying with your country, applauding its virtues and recognizing its shortcomings, but we should seek Jesus first. Paul reminds us in Acts that God made all nations, and they are His.
Nations will rise and fall. Love and support your country, love and support one another in your community, remembering we serve our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.