GOLF.AI • Nov 1, 2026

The Curse of the Hot Start

Grabbing a Thursday headline with a blistering low round is one thing; sustaining that brilliance for 72 holes is another. While Andrew Novak is rewriting the record books at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, a compelling counter-narrative is unfolding for several players who started with a flash only to fade under the immense pressure of weekend golf.

The most dramatic example is the 12-shot swing experienced by Karl Vilips. He opened with a career-best 62 to seize the lead, only to follow it with a 74 on Friday. The staggering difference saw him plummet from the top of the leaderboard to just barely surviving the cut, a brutal lesson in the day-to-day volatility of the PGA TOUR.

Vilips wasn't alone. The dreaded 'Moving Day Stall' affected several others who were in contention after 36 holes. Adrien Dumont de Chassart, who started Saturday near the lead after opening 64-67, saw his momentum halt with a 71. Similarly, Garrick Higgo (64-69) carded a 71 and Marco Penge (64-68) faded with a 2-over 73, sending them tumbling down the leaderboard.

This pattern of regression is what makes Andrew Novak's performance so extraordinary. After a sensational second-round 61, the typical expectation is a slight fallback. Instead, Novak went even lower with a 62 in the third round. This ability to not just maintain but accelerate after a career round is the hallmark of a champion and demonstrates immense mental fortitude. It proves that his play is the exception, not the rule.

Following up a career round brings added media attention, internal expectations, and the simple pressure of sleeping on a lead. The stories of those who fade highlight the immense psychological challenge of winning on Tour. It provides a crucial perspective that glorifies the leader's achievement by showcasing just how difficult it is to finish what you started.