Brian Campbell secured his first PGA Tour victory Sunday at the Mexico Open, defeating Aldrich Potgieter in a playoff at Vidanta Vallarta after an incredible stroke of luck.
Campbell, who shot a final-round 70, clinched the win on the second playoff hole with a birdie putt just inside 4 feet. The 31-year-old’s victory comes after a decade as a professional and 186 winless starts across the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours.
“To be in this position is just so unreal,” Campbell said after his win. “I can’t believe it, really.”
The critical moment came during the playoff when Campbell’s tee shot headed toward out-of-bounds but fortuitously bounced off trees back into play. Despite being 94 yards behind Potgieter after the lucky break, Campbell recovered brilliantly, eventually setting up the winning birdie.
“You’ve got to get those breaks sometimes,” Campbell acknowledged. “I was just so happy that I was able to kind of stay in it to the end.”
Both players finished regulation at 20-under 264. Potgieter, a 20-year-old South African known for his power, led entering the final round but couldn’t capitalize on the par-5 18th hole despite hitting the fairway each time during the playoff.
The victory transforms Campbell’s career, earning him:
- $1,260,000 prize money
- Invitations to the Masters, The Players Championship, and PGA Championship
- Entry into five $20 million signature PGA Tour events
- A two-year tour exemption through 2027
Isaiah Salinda finished third with a bogey-free 65, while Aaron Rai and Ben Griffin tied for fourth.
Campbell’s triumph represents a remarkable comeback story. After briefly earning a PGA Tour card in 2017 only to struggle and return to minor league tours for seven years, he worked his way back by finishing eighth on the Korn Ferry Tour to regain PGA Tour status.