Homa Hunts First Win Since 2023 as Mexico Open Reaches Cut Day

Max Homa will try to build on a strong opening round and end a winless stretch dating to January 2023 as the VidantaWorld Mexico Open reaches its second round on Friday at Vidanta Vallarta. Homa shot a five-under 66 with six birdies in round one to sit tied 14th, four shots behind leader Karl Vilips, whose career-low 62 — featuring birdie runs of five and four holes — gave him a one-stroke edge over Japan's Kensei Hirata. Homa tees off at 2:18 p.m. ET alongside Tony Finau and Corey Conners, with Golf Channel carrying live coverage from 4-7 p.m. ET, and the cut falling after Friday's play. The $6 million FedExCup Fall event matters far beyond its winner's cheque: with a $1.08 million first prize, players are fighting to finish inside the top 100 and keep full PGA Tour status for 2027. Vilips, ranked 141st in the Fall standings, would jump to a projected 67th with a win, while Homa — a six-time tour winner whose last victory came nearly four years ago — is chasing something simpler: proof that his game is back. A low Friday would put him right in the weekend mix, and after a year of searching, that is exactly where he wants to be.