Kim Joo-hyung ties for 22nd in Mexico Open first round
Returning from a two-month hiatus filled with a team-competition appearance and an international gold medal, golfer Kim Joo-hyung opened the PGA Tour’s Vidanta World Mexico Open with a four-under-par 67 on October 30, 2026, placing him tied for 22nd after the first round, according to Yonhap News.
Recovery and Rust on the Course in Nayarit
Playing at Vidanta Vallarta in Banderas Bay, Nayarit, Kim carded five birdies against a single bogey to finish five strokes behind first-round leader Karl Vilips of Australia, who posted a nine-under-par 62. According to Yonhap News, Kim’s appearance marked his first PGA Tour stroke-play event since the Tour Championship at the end of August. Following the August finale, Kim traveled to the Presidents Cup in September before capturing a gold medal in men’s golf at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in October.
After taking a break of less than a month before arriving in Mexico, Kim missed the green five times during his opening round but salvaged par on four of those occasions. He strung together three consecutive birdies from the second through fourth holes before stumbling on the par-3 seventh hole by missing the green for his lone bogey of the day. On the back nine, Kim recovered with back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes by hitting his approach shots onto the green and converting the putts, as reported by Asia Economy. Remaining holes on the course concluded with par performances.
Contasting Starts Among Top Contenders
While Kim sat five shots off the lead, other notable players experienced divergent fortunes on the par-71 course. Japan’s Kensei Hirata carded an eagle and six birdies to sit one stroke behind Vilips at eight-under-par 63, while Ben Griffin of the United States chased the leaders at seven-under-par 64, according to Asia Economy. Deok Kim opened with a six-under-par 65 to tie for eighth place, Max Homa shot a five-under-par 66 to tie for 14th, and defending champion Brian Campbell of the United States finished tied for 22nd.
At the top end of the world rankings among tournament participants, Tony Finau of the United States and Corey Conners of Canada finished tied for 35th at three-under-par 68, while U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark struggled to a two-under-par 69, landing in a tie for 54th place. John Daly II, competing as a sponsor’s exemption, finished his opening round at one-under-par 70, placing him in a tie for 68th alongside other competitors in the Fall Series event.
Outlook Following the Asian Games Victory
Kim entered the $6.0 million tournament with his PGA Tour card secure for the upcoming season, holding a FedExCup ranking of tied 14th after consistent play that included a victory at the Genesis Scottish Open in July and a third-place finish at the U.S. Open in June. Kim’s victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games exempted him from mandatory military service requirements, removing a looming distraction for his international tournament schedule. With three rounds remaining at Vidanta Vallarta, Kim aims to rebuild his competitive rhythm and challenge for his second PGA Tour title of the calendar year.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.