Mexico Open 2026 Picks: PGA Tour Experts Back Surprise Winners

The 2026 VidantaWorld Mexico Open hasn't started, but the PGA Tour's betting experts are already challenging the idea that favorite Wyndham Clark will cruise to victory.

With Thursday's opening round approaching at Vidanta Vallarta, five Golfbet contributors have selected five different tournament winners. Their choices range from established contenders to long shots offering substantial payouts.

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Clark enters the $6 million tournament as the betting favorite, but Golfbet's panel sees opportunities elsewhere on the 7,337-yard, par-71 layout.

PGA Tour Fantasy Insider Rob Bolton is backing Tom Kim at +1900, identifying the Korean star as his top-ranked player heading into the tournament.

Kim's recent accomplishments include winning the Genesis Scottish Open and finishing third at the U.S. Open. Bolton believes his recent development could carry into next season, potentially setting up what he calls a "massive 2027."

Chris Breece is taking Doug Ghim at +1850, pointing to the American's runner-up finish at the Bank of Utah Championship.

Ghim's combination of distance and recent form could make him particularly dangerous on Vidanta Vallarta's generous fairways.

Will Gray is looking considerably deeper into the betting market.

His selection is Rasmus Højgaard at +6600, citing the Dane's impressive driving distance and fourth-place finish at the Rocket Classic.

Højgaard's length could provide a major advantage on a course where aggressive play is frequently rewarded.

Mike Glasscott believes Andrew Novak could become the tournament's latest first-time PGA Tour winner.

Novak, listed at +3200, has recorded rounds of 64 or better in three consecutive tournaments and owns two previous top-15 finishes at Vidanta Vallarta.

Jake Lazarus is backing another potential breakthrough candidate, Neal Shipley, at +3600.

Shipley enters with two top-10 finishes in his first two FedExCup Fall appearances and leads the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee.

That combination could be especially valuable on a course known for rewarding powerful drivers.

The experts also identified several intriguing opportunities beyond outright winners.

Ben James received a top-five recommendation at +360, while Johnny Keefer earned support for a top-10 finish at +250.

Corey Conners, coming off a tie for third in Bermuda, was selected for a top-10 finish at +240.

Mexican golfer Alvaro Ortiz also attracted attention, with two experts endorsing his top-20 chances at +300. Ortiz won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour this year and finished tied for 13th at Vidanta Vallarta in 2024.

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With Clark commanding the shortest odds, the contrasting expert selections suggest the Mexico Open could be considerably more unpredictable than the betting market initially indicates.

And for golf fans searching for a potential surprise winner, there certainly isn't a shortage of candidates.