Raul Pereda has been ranked 810th on the Official World Golf Ranking. He had never played a PGA Tour round before Thursday’s 2023 Mexico Open opening round at Vidanta.
After a 6-under-par 65, he tied for second place after his first 18 golf holes.
What a debut!
The 26-year old, who is one of seven Mexican players playing at Vidanta Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, was born in Mexico City. He played college golf at Jacksonville University. His results in his last few starts on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, and Mexican Tour are mixed. Few top fives. A few missed cuts.
Raul Pereda of Mexico, who played at Jacksonville University as a college golfer, makes his TOUR debut with a 65.
Pereda became the first TOUR player since Robin Roussel to score 65 in his debut round (64/2022 Barbasol Championship) to achieve this feat.
— PGA TOUR Communications April 27, 2020
He’s now in the top three of a PGA Tour race.
Pereda stated, “I’m more proud of my ability to remain very present shot-by-shot than I am of the score.” “My old coach told me to enjoy every shot. Sometimes it’s easier to say than do.” I was able to remain in the moment and create opportunities for myself. Today, it went very well.
Mike Blackburn has told Pereda to take everything shot by shot and live in the moment. It paid off.
Pereda stated, “My strategy was excellent, my mental game was perfect, and my driver was superb.” “It was all me today,” Pereda said.
Austin Smotherman birdied four of his holes, and a chip in on the ninth hole, his last for the day, to lead at 8 under following the first round. Pereda is two shots behind a group that includes Tony Finau. Stephan Jaeger. Eric Cole. and Taylor Pendrith.
The defending champion and World No. After a front nine of even-par, Jon Rahm ended the day at 4 under.
