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Golfweek’s Adam Schupak recaps Viktor Hovland’s win at the Mayakoba Golf Classic from El Camaleon Golf Club.
Golfweek’s Adam Schupak recaps Viktor Hovland’s win at the Mayakoba Golf Classic from El Camaleon Golf Club.
Check out how much money each PGA Tour player won this week at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico.
It pays to play well on the PGA Tour.
Viktor Hovland closed the Tour’s 2020 calendar year with a clutch win at the Mayakoba Golf Classic at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The 23-year-old birdied his final hole to take home $1,296,000 and avoid a playoff with Aaron Wise, winning at 20 under for his second career victory following his Puerto Rico Open title in February.
Wise finished second at 19 under, followed by Adam Long and Tom Hoge, T-3 at 17 under. Harris English, Billy Horschel and Lucas Glover finished T-5 at 16 under.
Check out how much money each player won this week in Mexico.
Mayakoba Golf Classic: Scores | Best photos | Winner’s bag
| Position | Player | Score | Earnings |
| 1 | Viktor Hovland | -20 | $1,296,000.00 |
| 2 | Aaron Wise | -19 | $784,800.00 |
| T3 | Adam Long | -17 | $424,800.00 |
| T3 | Tom Hoge | -17 | $424,800.00 |
| T5 | Harris English | -16 | $266,400.00 |
| T5 | Billy Horschel | -16 | $266,400.00 |
| T5 | Lucas Glover | -16 | $266,400.00 |
| T8 | Brendon Todd | -15 | $203,400.00 |
| T8 | Tony Finau | -15 | $203,400.00 |
| T8 | Carlos Ortiz | -15 | $203,400.00 |
| T8 | Emiliano Grillo | -15 | $203,400.00 |
| T12 | Max Homa | -14 | $147,600.00 |
| T12 | Austin Eckroat (a) | -14 | — |
| T12 | Maverick McNealy | -14 | $147,600.00 |
| T12 | Abraham Ancer | -14 | $147,600.00 |
| T12 | Justin Thomas | -14 | $147,600.00 |
| T17 | Corey Conners | -13 | $117,000.00 |
| T17 | Steve Stricker | -13 | $117,000.00 |
| T17 | Patrick Rodgers | -13 | $117,000.00 |
| T20 | John Huh | -12 | $95,400.00 |
| T20 | Jhonattan Vegas | -12 | $95,400.00 |
| T20 | Joel Dahmen | -12 | $95,400.00 |
| T23 | Vincent Whaley | -11 | $65,262.86 |
| T23 | Daniel Berger | -11 | $65,262.86 |
| T23 | Tyler Duncan | -11 | $65,262.86 |
| T23 | Charles Howell III | -11 | $65,262.86 |
| T23 | Bo Hoag | -11 | $65,262.86 |
| T23 | Joaquin Niemann | -11 | $65,262.85 |
| T23 | Russell Knox | -11 | $65,262.85 |
| T30 | Chris Baker | -10 | $50,400.00 |
| T30 | Brian Harman | -10 | $50,400.00 |
| T32 | Camilo Villegas | -9 | $43,056.00 |
| T32 | Brice Garnett | -9 | $43,056.00 |
| T32 | Keegan Bradley | -9 | $43,056.00 |
| T32 | Kevin Streelman | -9 | $43,056.00 |
| T32 | Patton Kizzire | -9 | $43,056.00 |
| 37 | Sung Kang | -8 | $37,440.00 |
| T38 | Nate Lashley | -7 | $34,920.00 |
| T38 | Hank Lebioda | -7 | $34,920.00 |
| T40 | Satoshi Kodaira | -6 | $29,160.00 |
| T40 | Branden Grace | -6 | $29,160.00 |
| T40 | Brandon Hagy | -6 | $29,160.00 |
| T40 | Scott Piercy | -6 | $29,160.00 |
| T40 | Rory Sabbatini | -6 | $29,160.00 |
| T40 | Troy Merritt | -6 | $29,160.00 |
| T46 | Chris Kirk | -5 | $20,952.00 |
| T46 | Andy Ogletree | -5 | $20,952.00 |
| T46 | Kyle Stanley | -5 | $20,952.00 |
| T46 | Charley Hoffman | -5 | $20,952.00 |
| T46 | K.J. Choi | -5 | $20,952.00 |
| T46 | Doug Ghim | -5 | $20,952.00 |
| T52 | Akshay Bhatia | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T52 | Jason Dufner | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T52 | Will Zalatoris | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T52 | Pat Perez | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T52 | Sepp Straka | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T52 | Rafael Campos | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T52 | Kelly Kraft | -4 | $17,208.00 |
| T59 | Chase Seiffert | -3 | $16,272.00 |
| T59 | Mark Hubbard | -3 | $16,272.00 |
| T59 | Ryan Brehm | -3 | $16,272.00 |
| T59 | Kyoung-Hoon Lee | -3 | $16,272.00 |
| T63 | Austin Cook | -2 | $15,840.00 |
| T63 | Xinjun Zhang | -2 | $15,840.00 |
| T65 | J.J. Spaun | -1 | $15,552.00 |
| T65 | Ben Taylor | -1 | $15,552.00 |
| T67 | Hunter Mahan | E | $15,336.00 |
| T67 | Quade Cummins (a) | E | — |
| 69 | Michael Gellerman | 2 | $15,192.00 |
| 70 | Keith Mitchell | 3 | $15,048.00 |
| 71 | Harold Varner III | 5 | $14,904.00 |
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Viktor Hovland claimed the Mayakoba Golf Classic title in Mexico this week, winning by one at 20 under.
The PGA Tour closed its 2020 calendar year in style on Sunday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
With three holes to play, seven players were within three shots of the lead at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. Aaron Wise took a share of the lead into the clubhouse at 19 under after a final-round 8-under 63.
Tied for the lead on the final hole at El Camaleon Golf Club, Viktor Hovland claimed the outright lead with a birdie to win for the second time this year following his victory in February at the Puerto Rico Open. Hovland signed for a 6-under 65 to win by one at 20 under.
Mayakoba Golf Classic: Leaderboard | Best photos
Viktor Hovland is no stranger to getting it done at the last. 💪 pic.twitter.com/gsq2NXRh3t
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 6, 2020
The Mayakoba Golf Classic began in 2007 and became the first PGA Tour event to be held outside the U.S. or Canada. PGA Tour action resumes Jan. 7-10 with the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.
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Dahmen was practicing before Saturday’s round putting Happy Gilmore-style, with his hands split and his right hand sunk well below his left.
The always-entertaining Joel Dahmen is cruising along at this week’s Mayakoba Golf Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, which sits just outside Cancun.
Dahmen has broken 70 in all three rounds thus far at El Camaleon Golf Club, but that hasn’t stopped him from tinkering with his game.
His caddie, Geno Bonnalie, tweeted that Dahmen was practicing before Saturday’s round putting Happy Gilmore-style, with his hands split and his right hand sunk well below his left.
According to the tweet, Dahmen said he might try the grip on the course. What was the result?
A pair of birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 to finish the day.
2020 Mayakoba Rd. 3.
No quote today, but a story instead:
Before the round, Joel was messing around putting like Happy Gilmore. Split handed-right hand way down the grip. He was making EVERYTHING! He told me he was going to bust it out during the round. Did it on 17 and here: pic.twitter.com/ngWeiII3OE— Geno Bonnalie (@GenoBonnalie) December 5, 2020
Dahmen finished with a 68 and is 10 under for the event, just six shots behind leader Emiliano Grillo.
Considering that Dahmen entered the event at 118th on the Tour in Strokes Gained: Putting this season, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this method more often on Sunday.
MAYAKOBA: Scores | Photo gallery
Let the stats show he’s a perfect 2-for-2 so far.
Uh-oh …
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Here are the final-round tee times for the Mayakoba Golf Classic. Sunday TV and streaming info are also listed.
There are 18 more holes left to play in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Emiliano Grillo holds a one-shot lead at 16 under after 54 holes, following a third-round 3-under 68 at El Camaleon Golf Club. Tom Hoge fired a 65 Saturday to sit in solo second at 15 under. Viktor Hovland is in third at 14 under, followed by Adam Long in solo fourth (-13) and Justin Thomas, who shot a 62 Saturday, and Patrick Rodgers are T-5 at 12 under.
The final official event of the 2020 PGA Tour schedule began in 2007 and became the first PGA Tour event to be held outside the U.S. or Canada.
From tee times to TV info, here’s everything you need to know for Sunday’s final round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic.
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.
Mayakoba Golf Classic: Leaderboard | Best photos
| Tee time | Players |
| 8:10 a.m. | Chris Kirk, Satoshi Kodaira, Akshay Bhatia |
| 8:20 a.m. | Ryan Brehm, Vincent Whaley, Andy Ogletree |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Jhonattan Vegas, Kyoung-Hoon Lee, Daniel Berger
|
| 8:40 a.m. | Camilo Villegas, Max Homa, Corey Conners |
| 8:50 a.m. | Brian Harman, Tyler Duncan, Austin Eckroat |
| 9 a.m. | Brice Garnett, Harris English, Maverick McNealy |
| 9:10 a.m. | Billy Horschel, Bo Hoag, Abraham Ancer |
| 9:20 a.m. | Steve Stricker, Brendon Todd, Joel Dahmen |
| 9:30 a.m. | Tony Finau, Carlos Ortiz, Joaquin Niemann |
| 9:40 a.m. | Lucas Glover, Russell Knox, Aaron Wise |
| 9:50 a.m. | Justin Thomas, Adam Long, Patrick Rodgers |
| 10 a.m. | Emiliano Grillo, Tom Hoge, Viktor Hovland |
| Tee time | Players |
| 8:10 a.m. | Jason Dufner, Mark Hubbard, Chase Seiffert |
| 8:20 a.m. | Kyle Stanley, John Huh, Will Zalatoris |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Charley Hoffman, Branden Grace, Brandon Hagy
|
| 8:40 a.m. | Pat Perez, Scott Piercy, Chris Baker |
| 8:50 a.m. | Charles Howell III, Rory Sabbatini, Sepp Straka |
| 9 a.m. | K.J. Choi, Sung Kang, Rafael Campos |
| 9:10 a.m. | Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley, Austin Cook |
| 9:20 a.m. | Nate Lashley, Troy Merritt, Hank Lebioda |
| 9:30 a.m. | Kevin Streelman, Patton Kizzire, Keith Mitchell |
| 9:40 a.m. | J.J. Spaun, Michael Gellerman, Doug Ghim |
| 9:50 a.m. | Xinjun Zhang, Kelly Kraft, Ben Taylor |
| 10 a.m. | Harold Varner III, Quade Cummins |
TV, streaming information
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.
NBC: 1-4 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.
JT finished his bogey-free day with a 62, one off Roland Thatcher’s tournament record set back in 2008.
Cancun is a place for special occasions, which is why Mike and Joni Thomas are spending a few relaxing days in the Mexican paradise, soaking up the sights and celebrating their anniversary.
And after a scintillating Saturday display, all the pieces are in place for the festivities to finish on a truly high note.
The Thomas’ son, Justin, used a stretch of five birdies in his final seven holes to jump near the top of the leaderboard at the Mayakoba Golf Championship on Saturday. He finished his bogey-free day with a 62, one off Roland Thatcher’s tournament record set back in 2008. He sits at 12 under after three rounds at El Camaleon Golf Club, four shots behind leader Emiliano Grillo, but within striking distance of a 14th PGA Tour victory.
Spending time walking the fairways at Tour events is nothing new to Joni Thomas, who frequents many of the tournaments. But with the pandemic, it’s been tougher for Thomas’ parents to consistently take part. They have picked their spots, however, and his father famously hopped in on JT’s bag over the summer when caddie Jimmy Johnson went ill.
MAYAKOBA: Scores | Photo gallery
“I’m sure my mom’s looking for any excuse to come to a tournament. Yeah, their anniversary was earlier this week. She was just going to be sitting at home in Florida, so figured why not come to Mexico here and enjoy it,” Thomas said. “She’s been able to come out, which has been great. Anytime I get to see them, and everybody out here knows my mom comes to about every tournament, so she’s missing the normality as much as anybody.”
And while the whole Thomas clan enjoyed Saturday’s jump in the standings, Thomas thought he was as good or better on Friday, when he shot a 67.
“I very easily could have shot 62 yesterday. I mean, that was I would say, I told my dad, the worst 67 in the history of golf I think it was (Friday). I played unbelievably, I just really struggled on the greens. They were pretty beat up and pretty slow and I couldn’t get the ball to the hole,” he said.
[vertical-gallery id=778078781]
“I can’t imagine somebody shooting a worse 67 than I did yesterday. I felt like I could have shot 60, 61, 62 and shot that, so I just, I really just tried to go out there and didn’t really have a game plan or mentality, just try to hit the fairways and, with the ball in hand, just attack and make a bunch of birdies.
“And we did.”
If Thomas can manage to overtake Grillo, Tom Hoge (-15), Viktor Hovland (-14) and others on Sunday, he’d moved into the top spot in the FedEx Cup points standings. It’s a tall task, but one he’s certainly capable of. He’s currently No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking and No. 5 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings.
“I can’t really worry about what anybody else is doing, I just need to try to go out tomorrow and shoot another low one because you kind of can’t put a ceiling on this place when you’re playing it,” Thomas said.
“You’ve just got to try and make as many as you can.”
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Finau posted the early shot that was tops for the entire field, burying a hole-in-one on the fourth hole.
After a second-round 66 at the Mayakoba Golf Classic, Tony Finau was asked about the most important shot of his day at El Camaleon Golf Course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
He paused and finally responded that it was a par-saving putt on the day’s final hole, which kept him near the top of the leaderboard.
Finau won’t need to think it through in Saturday’s post-round interview — he posted the early shot that was tops for the entire field, burying a hole-in-one on the fourth hole. The pin placement was tight to the front left, but that didn’t faze Finau, who hasn’t won since the 2016 Puerto Rico Open.
After making par on each of the first three holes, Finau’s ace got him within three shots of leader Emiliano Grillo.
MAYAKOBA: Scores | Photo gallery
Numero uno! ☝@TonyFinauGolf reels it in for an ACE in Mexico. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/KltCjMwOD2
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 5, 2020
In four previous starts at El Camaleon, Finau has two top 20s, including a seventh-place finish in 2015.
“I just enjoy playing out here. It’s a wonderful place, I enjoy Mayakoba, the people are great,” he said after Friday’s round. “Even when it rains here the climate is still warm, so I like that. Most of the time I’m coming from Utah where it’s snowing and really, really cold, so I don’t mind playing when it’s raining here because the rain is warm.”
[vertical-gallery id=778078781]
Russell Knox enjoys the creature comforts of being South of the Border this week and posts 6-under 65 to lead by one stroke in Mexico.
Russell Knox has a theory on why he’s historically played well at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
“I guess it’s the tequila and tacos,” he cracked.
Knox torched the back nine at El Camaleon Golf Club, his first nine of the day, making five birdies in a six-hole stretch to shoot 6-under 65 on a blustery day with intermittent rain. A little liquid sunshine and a wee bit of wind never bothered the Scottish native and Knox took advantage.
“It’s so soft out here,” he said. “It’s the opposite of links golf.”
As for his success on the Greg Norman layout, Knox’s record speaks for itself: In 29 rounds at this event, he’s posted just two over-par scores, and he has made the cut in all seven of his previous starts at the Mayakoba Golf Classic, resulting in three top-10 finishes and a tie for second in 2016. It’s more than just the tough condition that played into Knox’s wheel house. El Camaleon is a ball-striker’s paradise, where accuracy typically trumps distance.
Russell Knox takes the solo lead @MayakobaGolf.
1. @RooKnox -6
T2. @CarlosOrtizGolf -5
T2. @JoacoNiemann
T2. @HogeGolf
T2. @GrilloEmiliano— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 3, 2020
“It sets up well for me,” Knox said. “I mean, historically, my driving accuracy and iron play’s been my strength, so that’s kind of the key things that this course brings out in you.”
But the bread and butter of Knox’s game have let him down the past few years. He finished 2016 ranked at No. 18 in the world, but entered this week at No. 221. That fall off included missing 10 straights cuts last season and finishing No. 127 in the FedEx Cup standings to miss the Playoffs for the first time since 2013. But he’s recorded three top-15 finishes during the fall since the start of the new season and it’s boosted his confidence.
MAYAKOBA: Scores | Photo gallery | Tee times
“I’ve been playing great golf at home,” he said. “I know my game and my swing is progressing nicely, my putting is as good as it’s ever been. So, see how good I can get over four days. I mean, I know obviously if you’re going to be there at the end, you’ve got to keep your foot down, keep playing aggressive, free swings and that’s my main goal.”
Three golfers – Joaquin Niemann, Emiliano Grillo and Tom Hoge – are one stroke off the pace. Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz, who won the Vivint Houston Open last month, is among a logjam at 4-under 67 and shot the best score among the six Mexican players in the field.
[vertical-gallery id=778078781]
“When I made like a 60-footer for eagle on 5, I knew it was going to be a pretty good day,” he said.
Defending champion Brendon Todd matched Ortiz with 4-under 67 as did Monday Qualifier Akshay Bhatia. Making his PGA Tour debut as a professional, 2019 U.S. Amateur champion Andy Ogletree is T-20 after a 2-under 69. Brendan Steele had the “shot of the day,” holing out his second shot from 235 yards at the par-5 13th for an albatross. He shot even-par 71, as did Brooks Koepka. With a forecast calling for rain, preferred lies was utilized during the first round. The forecast for the next three days isn’t expected to improve, which could make for a very soupy course and fear of the dreaded mud ball.
“Just kind of embrace it, I would say,” said Hoge of the upcoming forecast. “Not too many days are calm here on the beach. You kind of know what you’re in for.”
From +1 to -2 on one swing. 😮@Brendan_Steele holes out for albatross. 👏 pic.twitter.com/7OQN6xHJOf
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 3, 2020
From tee times to TV into, here’s everything you need to know for Friday’s second round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic.
The boys are off and running in Mexico.
Russell Knox leads after the opening day of play at the Mayakoba Golf Classic, making his way around El Camaleon Golf Course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to the tune of 6-under 65. Tom Hoge, Emiliano Grillo and Joaquin Niemann are T-2 at 5 under.
Brooks Koepka finished the day at even par while world No. 3 Justin Thomas shot a 1-over 72. The real story of the day is second-place Niemann, who is donating his earnings to help pay for the medical needs of his young relative.
From tee times to TV info, here’s everything you need to know for Friday’s second round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic.
Mayakoba Golf Classic: Leaderboard | Best photos
| Tee time | Players |
| 7:10 a.m. | Sam Ryder, Maverick McNealy, Tom Hoge |
| 7:20 a.m. | John Huh, Bronson Burgoon, Peter Malnati |
| 7:30 a.m. |
Mark Hubbard, Kevin Streelman, Rafa Cabrera Bello
|
| 7:40 a.m. | D.A. Points, Scott Piercy, Graeme McDowell |
| 7:50 a.m. | Tyler Duncan, Keith Mitchell, Aaron Wise |
| 8 a.m. | Austin Cook, Nate Lashley, Russell Knox |
| 8:10 a.m. | Russell Henley, Chesson Hadley, Rory Sabbatini |
| 8:20 a.m. | J.J. Spaun, Doug Ghim, Charley Hoffman |
| 8:30 a.m. | Vincent Whaley, Patrick Cover, Hank Lebioda |
| 8:40 a.m. | Rob Oppenheim, Armando Favela, Kiradech Aphibarnrat |
| 8:50 a.m. | Rhein Gibson, Michael Gligic, Aaron Terrazas |
| 11:40 a.m. | Chris Kirk, Adam Hadwin, Kyoung-Hoon Lee |
| 11:50 a.m. | Denny McCarthy, Matt Every, Harold Varner III |
| 12 p.m. | Brian Stuard, Robby Shelton, Tim Wilkinson |
| 12:10 p.m. | Gary Woodland, Rickie Fowler, Abraham Ancer |
| 12:20 p.m. | Justin Thomas, Joaquin Niemann, Viktor Hovland |
| 12:30 p.m. | Charles Howell III, Daniel Berger, Ryan Armour |
| 12:40 p.m. | Max Homa, Pat Perez, Michael Gellerman |
| 12:50 p.m. | Will Gordon, Beau Hossler, Emiliano Grillo |
| 1 p.m. | Cameron Percy, Aaron Baddeley, Branden Grace |
| 1:10 p.m. | Chris Baker, Andy Ogletree, Brandon Hagy |
| 1:20 p.m. | Joseph Bramlett, Chase Seiffert, Quade Cummins |
| Tee time | Players |
| 7:10 a.m. | Adam Schenk, Harry Higgs, Jhonattan Vegas |
| 7:20 a.m. | Vaughn Taylor, Harris English, Henrik Norlander |
| 7:30 a.m. | Joel Dahmen, Will Zalatoris, Alex Noren |
| 7:40 a.m. | Tony Finau, Corey Conners, Sebastián Muñoz |
| 7:50 a.m. | Brendon Todd, Brooks Koepka, Carlos Ortiz |
| 8 a.m. | Patton Kizzire, Steve Stricker, Jason Dufner |
| 8:10 a.m. | Wesley Bryan, Brendan Steele, Luke Donald |
| 8:20 a.m. | Kyle Stanley, Fabián Gómez, Camilo Villegas |
| 8:30 a.m. | Bo Hoag, Johnson Wagner, Lucas Glover |
| 8:40 a.m. | Austin Eckroat, Santiago Tarrio, Rafael Campos |
| 8:50 a.m. | Roger Sloan, Roberto Díaz, Akshay Bhatia |
| 11:40 a.m. | Nick Watney, Patrick Rodgers, Xinjun Zhang |
| 11:50 a.m. | Bo Van Pelt, D.J. Trahan, Byeong Hun An |
| 12 p.m. | Ollie Schniederjans, Sepp Straka, Ben Taylor |
| 12:10 p.m. | Michael Kim, Billy Horschel, Brice Garnett |
| 12:20 p.m. | Chez Reavie, Marc Leishman, Satoshi Kodaira |
| 12:30 p.m. | Andrew Putnam, Keegan Bradley, Sung Kang |
| 12:40 p.m. | Troy Merritt, Kevin Stadler, Adam Long |
| 12:50 p.m. | Brian Harman, Hunter Mahan, K.J. Choi |
| 1 p.m. | Scott Harrington, Luke List, Kelly Kraft |
| 1:10 p.m. | Kristoffer Ventura, Isidro Benitez, Sebastian Cappelen |
| 1:20 p.m. | Ryan Brehm, Mark Anderson, Drew Nesbitt |
TV, streaming information
Golf Channel (Watch for free on fuboTV): 2-5 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Golf Channel (Watch for free on fuboTV): 2-5 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM: 12-5 p.m.
NBC: 1-4 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.
The 22-year-old Chilean opens the Mayakoba with a 66 as he eyes a big payday to help pay the medical expenses of an infant relative in need.
[jwplayer mXjws8Yn-9JtFt04J]
Salvemos, Rafita, translates to “save, Rafita.” That hashtag is the mission this week for 22-year-old Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann, who has promised to donate his winnings at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to help pay for the medical needs of his young relative.
It could be a big check if Niemann can maintain his early pace. He made an eagle and three birdies on his second nine to shoot 5-under 66 at El Camaleon Golf Club on a windy, rainy day on the Yucatan Peninsula to share the early lead in the opening round with Argentine Emiliano Grillo at the PGA Tour’s final official event of the calendar year.
A few days after Niemann’s one-month-old cousin, Rafita Calderon, was born, his Aunt Carola, who is a pediatrician, observed that the baby displayed symptoms of hypotonia. Tests revealed that Calderon suffered from Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which affects about 1 in every 10,000 babies born every year. Symptoms include weak muscle tone, trouble breathing and swallowing, and those diagnosed with the rare genetic disease have a life expectancy of two years. Calderon is battling for his life, desperately needing a one-time injection of Zolgensma, a drug which according to Niemann costs $2.1 million in his home country. Calderon is at a medical center in Santiago, Chile, five hours from where the family lives awaiting treatment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH1NUKfFBrC/?utm_source=ig_embed
Niemann posted an Instagram story in support of his young relative and created a Go Fund Me page that already has raised more than $120,000. At the RSM Classic two weeks ago, Niemann promised to contribute $5,000 for every birdie and $10,000 for every eagle in addition to his earnings, which totaled $152,450. This week, Niemann is wearing a ribbon on the top of his hat to raise awareness of Rafita’s plight, and he isn’t alone.
MAYAKOBA: Scores | Photo gallery
“I’ve got a bag with a lot of them, so yeah, just put it on the first tee and the locker and the 10th tee so (players) can grab it,” Niemann said. “Having all the support from all the people here on Tour is really amazing, and also from Mexico. The tournament, they’re helping me a lot to tell a little bit more of the story of Rafita, so happy for all the support of the players. We’re fighting for him.”
Niemann, 22, became the first Chilean to win on the PGA Tour at the 2019 A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier and represented his country as a member of the International team at the 2019 Presidents Cup.
Grillo, 28, also is seeking his second career Tour title and first since 2015. Playing in his trademark aggressive style, Grillo rattled off four birdies in a row beginning at the fifth and drained a 20-foot par putt at his final hole of the day to shoot 66 and extend his streak of par-or-better rounds in the event to a perfect 17-for-17.
“There is not a flag stick, you could put it behind a tree, he will find it,” said PGA Tour Radio commentator Dennis Paulson of Grillo. “He is not afraid. He is the Lanny Wadkins of his generation.”
American Rickie Fowler, who is winless this year, carded eight birdies but also a quadruple-bogey 8 en route to shooting 1-under 70. World No. 3 Justin Thomas struggled to shoot 1-over 72.
Niemann got off to a sluggish start, too, offsetting an early bogey with a bounce-back birdie on his first nine, the back nine, before going on a 5-under tear over the course of five holes beginning at No. 3. He drilled a 7-wood to reach the par-5 seventh in two and rolled in the putt for eagle. Niemann, the 45th-ranked player in the world, did most of his damage on the three par 5 holes, which he played in 4 under. After the round, he reiterated his social media post that he’s playing for something bigger than himself this week.
“It’s always extra motivation trying to play for him,” Niemann said of Rafita, “and get some more money for him, so yeah, it’s special.”
And Niemann didn’t need to be told what a first prize of $1,296,000 this week would do to help efforts to get his relative the medical attention he needs.
“It would be nice to see,” Niemann said.
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