Golf: Novak posts 62 to extend lead at Mexico Open
The 24-year-old has three bogeys in 54 holes and sits six shots ahead of the field in Vallarta.
By Natalia Costa ·
Andrew Novak shot a 62 on Saturday to widen his lead at the Mexico Open in Vallarta, Mexico. His low score puts him at 23 under par for the tournament, establishing a six-shot cushion over the rest of the field heading into the final round.
Novak controlled the back nine with five holes under par in the first five of that stretch. He committed only one error on the day, losing control on the 12th hole. A 279-yard drive stopped 20 feet from the pin for an eagle opportunity that did not convert.
The rest of the round featured three birdies and an eagle. On the 14th hole, Novak hit a ball from the rough that sat below his feet. He struck it with force, placing it six feet from the cup for another birdie. He finished the round by sinking a six-footer on the 16th and a 10-foot par putt on the 17th after finishing short.
This score represents the lowest of the day. Novak arrives at Sunday's final round following a 61 and a 62 in the first two days. He is poised to claim his first individual title on the PGA Tour. His previous victory came in a team event with Ben Griffin at last year's Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
"Very similar, maybe a little messy at the end," Novak said regarding the two rounds. "But the putter saved me." He noted that he expected some margin after a low round but chose to attack the course, sinking putts and avoiding self-interference.
Matthieu Pavon of France finished six shots back after birdies on his final two holes resulted in a 65. Doug Ghim submitted a 64 to sit seven shots behind the leader. Pavon enters the final day at 140th in the FedEx Cup standings. A second-place finish would move him just inside the top 100. His two-year exemption from winning at Torrey Pines in 2024 expires this year.
Kihei Akina, a 20-year-old sophomore at BYU, recovered from a start of two bogeys to shoot 68. He ties for seventh place at nine under par. A top 10 finish would grant him an additional point in the PGA Tour University accelerated program.
