Andrew Novak Fires Stunning 61 To Take Three-Shot Mexico Open Lead

Andrew Novak couldn't have picked a better time to rediscover his putting stroke.

The 31-year-old American delivered one of the PGA Tour's most impressive rounds of the week Friday, firing a 10-under 61 at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open to grab a three-shot lead heading into the weekend.

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Novak's spectacular performance, which matched the course record and his career-low PGA Tour score, moved him to 14-under 128 through 36 holes at Vidanta Vallarta.

And he wasn't just making birdies. He was burying the competition down the stretch.

The turning point came at the reachable par-4 13th, where Novak drove the green and converted a 12-foot eagle putt to move into a share of the lead with Ben Griffin.

Two holes later, the tournament's momentum shifted dramatically.

Griffin found water off the tee at the 15th and salvaged bogey. Novak responded with a birdie from just beyond 15 feet, creating a two-shot swing that suddenly separated the contenders.

Novak wasn't finished.

He birdied three of his final four holes, including a 20-footer at the 18th, to establish a commanding advantage.

"I separated a little bit, but we're halfway there," Novak said afterward.

That caution makes sense considering how low scores have been at Vidanta Vallarta.

Five players are tied for second at 11-under 131, including Griffin, who shot 67, and 20-year-old BYU sophomore Kihei Akina, whose outstanding 64 continued his impressive run in professional events.

Matthieu Pavon (66), Adrien Dumont de Chassart (67) and Japan's Kensei Hirata (68) also share second.

For Novak, the breakthrough is especially meaningful after months of frustration on the greens.

Despite reaching last season's Tour Championship, Novak entered the week 89th in the FedExCup Fall standings. His ball-striking remained competitive, but inconsistent putting repeatedly prevented strong rounds from becoming great ones.

Novak recently described his putting struggles as among the worst on Tour during an eight-month stretch.

Now, a putter change made around the Wyndham Championship appears to be paying off.

Meanwhile, several recognizable names won't be around for the weekend.

Tony Finau missed the 4-under cut by one stroke after failing to convert a six-foot birdie opportunity on his final hole. Wyndham Clark, the only top-10 player in the world competing, also missed the cut following a second-round 73.

Mexico's Alvaro Ortiz remains in contention at 9 under, five shots behind Novak.

The tournament is far from decided, particularly on a course yielding scores well below par.

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But if Novak continues striking his irons this sharply and making putts, catching him could become a difficult assignment.

For a player who spent much of the season watching promising rounds slip away, Friday offered a reminder of just how quickly things can change on the PGA Tour.