Andrew Novak is delivering a performance at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open that's leaving the entire field dizzy, sending him into the final day with a massive six-shot lead. What a statement! Novak fired an incredible nine-under-par 62 in the third round, bringing his total to a sensational 23 under par after 54 holes. Things are really heating up when someone sets the pace like that.
The Putting Marvel of Mexico
The 62 wasn't a fluke; it was a continuation of a streak that began on Friday with a 10-under-par 61 – he's on a roll. The back nine, in particular, was exceptional: five strokes under par on the first five holes, including a birdie-eagle-hat trick that temporarily propelled his lead to seven shots. Even minor blips were easily ironed out by his putter, which has been performing otherworldly in recent weeks and saved his score.
While Novak dominates the leaderboard at will, the competition is desperately trying to catch up. Players like Ben Griffin, amateur phenom Kihei Akina, Matthieu Pavon, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, and Kensei Hirata are close to each other, but brutally far from the top. For Novak, it's about more than just the paycheck: It would be his first individual PGA Tour title. Although he already secured a win in 2025 with Ben Griffin at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the team format, a solo victory on the big stage is still missing.
The Tightrope Act on the Final Day
Vidanta Vallarta is known for its low scores, and Novak has played 20 under par in the last two rounds. This means tomorrow isn't just about playing par and managing his lead. It's about not risking an early collapse, because the chasers are lurking – even if they are six shots back. The tension will be palpable when Sunday's tee time arrives.
