Lucky Tree Bounce Propels Brian Campbell to First Career Win at Mexico Open
Brian Campbell clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Mexico Open at VedantaWorld after 187 professional starts, defeating rookie Aldrich Potgieter in a playoff.
Campbell secured the win on the second playoff hole at the par-5 18th, thanks to an unlikely bounce off a tree that kept his errant drive in play. He capitalized on this fortunate break by laying up and hitting his approach to three feet, converting the winning birdie after Potgieter missed his birdie attempt.
The victory earned Campbell:
- $1.26 million first-place prize
- Two-year Tour exemption
- Invitations to The Players Championship and Masters
- Entry into remaining 2025 elevated Tour events
The final round showcased a stark contrast in styles between the shorter-hitting Campbell and the powerful 20-year-old Potgieter, who leads the Tour in driving distance at 326 yards. Both players finished regulation at 20-under par, one shot ahead of Isaiah Salinda.
Luckiest break ever?!Brian Campbell's ball bounces off the trees and stays in bounds on the second playoff hole! pic.twitter.com/KWBMbGtaKE
For Campbell, a former University of Illinois standout, the victory marked a career breakthrough after losing his Tour card in 2017 and spending eight years working to regain it. The 31-year-old's persistence finally paid off, proving that precision and determination can still compete with power in modern professional golf.
"Grit," Campbell said of his success. "It's impressive how far some of these guys hit it out here. But that's not me. I've got to take my game elsewhere."