Karl Vilips Fires 62 to Seize Mexico Open Lead With 10 Birdies

Karl Vilips didn't just get hot Thursday at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open. The Australian practically turned the opening round into a birdie-making exhibition.

Vilips fired a 9-under 62 at Vidanta Vallarta, stringing together 10 birdies to take a one-shot lead over Japan's Kensei Hirata in the PGA Tour's first of two consecutive tournaments in Mexico.

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For the 25-year-old, who entered the week sitting 141st in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, the performance couldn't have come at a better time.

Vilips began his round on the back nine and immediately went to work, making five consecutive birdies from Nos. 11 through 15.

He eventually cooled off with a bogey, but finished in spectacular fashion with four straight birdies to claim the clubhouse lead.

His biggest advantage wasn't necessarily his putter. It was the driver.

"Had it on a string for the first nine," Vilips said, explaining how his accuracy off the tee allowed him to attack scoring opportunities.

With preferred lies in effect, keeping the ball in the fairway was especially valuable.

Vilips won the 2025 Puerto Rico Open for his first PGA Tour victory, securing an exemption through next season.

Still, another strong finish would provide valuable momentum after an inconsistent year.

And he certainly isn't alone in trying to make something happen during the FedEx Cup Fall.

Hirata, who entered the tournament 170th in the standings, opened with an 8-under 63 to sit alone in second place.

The Japanese standout highlighted his round with a 20-foot eagle putt at the par-5 third hole and converted two additional birdie putts from beyond 20 feet.

Four players followed at 7-under 64: Ben Griffin, Marco Penge, Garrick Higgo and Jeffrey Kang.

Griffin's performance was particularly encouraging in his first competitive appearance since August.

The three-time PGA Tour winner returned from a knee injury with new caddie Jon Yarbrough and gained more than four strokes on the greens.

Penge, meanwhile, is trying to secure his playing status after an injury-interrupted season. He entered the week 112th in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, making every strong finish particularly valuable.

Mexico's Alvaro Ortiz also gave the home crowd something to celebrate, opening with a bogey-free 65.

"It was lovely," Ortiz said. "Bogey-free, played really solid."

Defending champion Brian Campbell posted a 67, while reigning U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark opened with a 69. John Daly II, competing on a sponsor exemption, shot 70.

The tournament continues Friday before the PGA Tour moves to Los Cabos next week for the World Wide Technology Championship.

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For Vilips, the challenge now is turning one spectacular round into four consistent days of golf.

But after Thursday's birdie barrage, he's given the rest of the field plenty of chasing to do.