As the 2025 Mexico Open tees off, defending champion Jake Knapp and favorite Akshay Bhatia are under the spotlight, but predictions suggest underdogs may emerge victorious. Expert analyses hint at surprising outcomes in this highly anticipated tournament.
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Analysis and Opinions
2025 Mexico Open at Vidanta odds, picks, field: Surprising predictions from golf model that’s nailed 13 majors
Photo by Cbssports
Key Takeaways:
- Jake Knapp aims to make history by defending his Mexico Open title
- Favorite Akshay Bhatia is predicted not to finish on top
- SportsLine’s model, renowned for accuracy, forecasts surprising results
- Beau Hossler emerges as a strong contender despite long odds
- Statistical insights point to potential upsets at Vidanta Vallarta
The Stage Is Set at Vidanta Vallarta
The 2025 Mexico Open at Vidanta is set to commence on Thursday, February 20, with first-round tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET. Golf enthusiasts eagerly await the tournament, which promises intense competition on the lush greens of Vidanta Vallarta.
Jake Knapp’s Historic Quest
Defending champion Jake Knapp returns with the ambition of becoming the first golfer to successfully defend his title at the Mexico Open. Fresh off a tied-17th finish at the Genesis Invitational—his best performance of the season—Knapp is poised to make history.
“With another win at Vidanta Vallarta this week, Knapp will become the first PGA Tour golfer to successfully defend his title at the Mexico Open.”
Knapp’s recent form suggests he could rise to the occasion, but the field is stacked with talent ready to challenge his reign.
Akshay Bhatia: The Favored Challenger Facing Doubt
Two-time PGA Tour champion Akshay Bhatia enters the tournament as the 14-1 favorite, according to the latest odds. His impressive tied-9th finish at the Genesis Invitational showcased his ability to compete with the best. However, expert predictions from the SportsLine model cast doubt on his likelihood to secure the top spot.
Despite his favored status, Bhatia’s rankings in key performance metrics raise concerns:
- 79th in strokes gained: off the tee (0.087)
- 133rd in total driving (210)
- 169th in driving distance (290.3 yards)
- 77th in putting average (1.745)
- 81st in putts per round (28.94)
These statistics suggest that while Bhatia has the talent, certain aspects of his game may hinder his path to victory at Vidanta.
Beau Hossler: A Dark Horse Rising
Amidst the focus on Knapp and Bhatia, Beau Hossler emerges as a golfer to watch. At 33-1 odds, Hossler is considered a longshot by bookmakers, but his recent performances tell a different story.
Hossler has finished tied-15th or better in two of his four PGA Tour starts this season. His proficiency on the greens is notable:
- Ranked third in putts per round (27.44)
- Ninth in one-putt percentage (44.79%)
- 13th in putting average (1.699)
With a top-10 finish at the Mexico Open in 2023, Hossler has demonstrated his capability to contend on this course.
“Those impressive stats, plus his long odds, make him a strong value pick for your 2025 Mexico Open bets.”
The Proven Insights of SportsLine’s Model
The SportsLine model, developed by DFS professional Mike McClure, brings a history of accurate golf predictions. Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, the model boasts over $9,000 in profits on its best bets. It has accurately predicted 13 majors entering the weekend, including the 2024 Masters—its third consecutive correct call for the Masters—and last year’s PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
“Anyone who has followed its sports betting picks could have seen massive returns.”
The model’s forecast that Bhatia may not finish atop the leaderboard adds a layer of intrigue to the tournament, suggesting that fans should keep an eye on under-the-radar players.
Potential for Surprises and Other Contenders
Beyond Hossler, the model identifies four other golfers with odds of 30-1 or longer who could make a strong run at the title. This underscores the depth of the field and the possibility of unexpected results that could shake up the golfing world.
Anticipation Builds for the Mexico Open
As players prepare to tee off at Vidanta Vallarta, the stage is set for a tournament filled with potential surprises. Whether it’s Jake Knapp’s pursuit of back-to-back victories, Akshay Bhatia’s quest to justify his favored status, or Beau Hossler’s bid for a breakthrough win, the 2025 Mexico Open promises to be a captivating event that could defy expectations.
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