Mexico Open | Tony Finau resists a masterful round from Jon Rahm, author of a 61

(Puerto Vallarta) Tony Finau had five birdies on his last seven holes on Saturday, shooting 65 to take a two-shot lead at the Mexico Open.

His closest rivals are Akshay Bhatia and Masters Tournament champion Jon Rahm.

Finau has a total of 194, minus 19.

Defending champion Rahm started the day six strokes behind. He even took a one-shot lead at the top, before being joined and passed by Finau.

Bhatia (63) scored an eagle on his final hole, sending his second shot within eight feet of the cup.

The 21-year-old golfer shot 30 in the second half.

Ontarians Taylor Pendrith (72) and Michael Gligic (70) are 30th and 56th respectively.

En route to 10 birdies, Rahm had four putts of 25 feet or more, including a 40-footer on the first hole.

“Everything was going like clockwork,” Rahm said. If I continue to play so well on the greens, I will definitely have a chance. »

Finau is looking for a second victory this season and a fourth in nine months.

Rahm birdied three straight on the back nine, but Finau underscored his brilliance with a birdie on his final hole.

“He’s an incredible golfer,” Finau said of Rahm. I play with him a lot. I wasn’t really surprised to see him in the lead after 12 or 13 holes. »

Finau finished second to Rahm at this tournament in 2022.

Rahm dominates the world rankings. He and 16th-placed Finau are the only top-20 players at Vidanta Vallarta.

Bhatia had a practice round with them earlier in the week.

Bhatia is already assured of a PGA card in 2024, having finished second at the Puerto Rico Open this year.

Brandon Wu is three shots behind after a 67, including three birdies on the front nine.