Overview
- Vilips shot a 9-under 62 to take the first-round lead at the Mexico Open, closing his round with four straight birdies in Vallarta on Thursday.
- He produced two long birdie streaks — five straight on Nos. 11-15 and four straight to finish — and credited strong driving for setting up his scores.
- Kensai Hirata sits one stroke behind Vilips while Ben Griffin, Marco Penge, Garrick Higgo and Jeffrey Kang were grouped two shots back at 7-under.
- Vilips won the 2025 Puerto Rico Open so he is exempt for next season, but he still ranks 141st in the FedExCup Fall standings and is competing to improve his position.
- Other storylines on the course include Tom Kim returning after winning Asian Games gold, John Daly II playing on a sponsor exemption, and Billy Horschel withdrawing early due to dizziness.