Last week’s PGA One and Done season had a bye week due to the Zurich Classic being a team event. This gave players an opportunity to evaluate their performance as the second major approaches. The PGA Tour is now headed south of the border for the Mexico Open. While not a highly publicized event, the winner will still receive a seven-figure payout, which could be a potential game changer in One and Done. Although the field is weak and options are limited, it will be interesting to see who makes sense in One and Done this week.
Mexico Open One and Done Picks and Targets
Finau consistently places within the top 20 and boasts an approach game that tops statistical metrics. Finau finished runner-up at this venue last year and gained nearly 15 strokes tee to green. If he had better putting skills, he would be the defending champion and an even more popular choice. Outside of Jon Rahm, Finau is the player to beat, making him a dependable pick in this spot.
Contrarian Pick: Stephen Jaeger
There are few top-ranked golfers in this field, which provides an opportunity for first-time winners and players to have their best showing of the season. Jaeger has shown that he has what it takes to compete on tour, finishing 15th in this event last year and bringing immense upside. While his season has included plenty of made cuts, he also has a streak of eight straight events in which he lost strokes putting. If the change of surface can flip his putter, Jaeger could make a run on the weekend.
Ben Rasa’s One and Done Pick: Gary Woodland
While this field lacks depth, Woodland has shown flashes of his top-end form. Coming off a 14th at the Masters and a 31st at the RBC Heritage, his game is in solid shape. Woodland was finally positive with the putter at Harbour Town, gaining four on the greens, but he has struggled around the green all year. The one stat category exempt from this mentality is his off-tee game, where Woodland has gained in every event this year. This will be crucial this week, as the course is wide open and lends itself to aggressiveness with the driver. If Woodland can avoid losing too many strokes with the short game, he could contend. Along with his 24-1 outright price, Woodland is a strong One and Done pick this week.
