Andrew Novak set the greens of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open ablaze, seizing the sole lead with a spectacular round! A 10-under 61 catapulted the 30-year-old to an impressive 14-under 128 strokes, securing him a comfortable three-shot lead heading into the weekend.
Novak truly picked up the pace over the final six holes, playing five-under par. After an incredible drive on the reachable par-4 13th hole, he holed a 12-foot eagle putt, before adding birdies on holes 15, 16, and 18 – including a spectacular 20-foot putt to finish.
Friday Showdown
This run was also crucial for the lead: Ben Griffin, previously Novak's closest pursuer, found the water on the 15th hole and carded a bogey. Novak countered with a birdie – a two-shot swing that completely shifted the dynamic of the game. Griffin now shares second place at 11-under par with amateur Kihei Akina, Matthieu Pavon, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, and Kensei Hirata.
The Chasers Lie in Wait
20-year-old Kihei Akina, a true youngster delivering on Tour, shone with a 64 after previously posting a 67. Mackenzie Hughes is also in contention at 10-under par with a 67, lurking in seventh place. For Novak, who was ranked 89th in the FedExCup Fall Ranking before this tournament and has now moved up to 53rd, this is an immensely important performance. There are still 36 holes to play, but this sensational round has truly raised the bar for everyone.
