The 9 PGA Tour event was one to remember. In a thrilling 4-day event Brian Campbell ousted South African and young golfing prodigy Aldrich  Potgieter to claim his first victory in the PGA Tour circuit. The American held his nerve during the playoff and came up with the goods during the second hole after both of them tied for par on the first.

It was a surreal moment for Campbell, but he did have a bit of help during the playoffs. Campbell’s tee shot during the second attempt at the 18 hole appeared to be heading out of bounds, leaving him with possibly a tough mountain to climb. However, luck was on the side of the American, as the ball hit the tree and came back in bounds. Campbell went on to beat Potgieter to the hole, getting a birdie to claim the Mexico Open trophy.

The occasion had a sense of mystique and intrigue around it and fans were divided on how to perceive it. While some were vocal in their admiration of Campbell’s game and that luck was a part of golf, others were indignant claiming that Potgieter should have deserved the victory over the American.

Fans divided over Brian Campbell’s lucky drive

Despite the drive, being in his favor Campbell had a lot of ground to cover. Potgieter’s initial drive reached 321 yards, nearly 100 yards more than where Campbell’s tree-bound ball fell. Campbell just went to work, nailing his second shot 68 yards from the hole before his approach landed him about 4 feet from the pin. He putted it in while Potgieter’s putt from 9ft missed the mark. “It was a good break, for sure. But Campbell seized the opportunity it presented, hitting a great wedge tight to get the birdie and win. He earned the win.”

This was Campbell’s first tour victory in 187 PGA Tour-sanctioned starts. It was a long time coming for him and maybe the slice of luck is what he needed to get himself back on track. Campbell had been routinely bouncing between the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour ever since he turned professional in 2015. “He earned it. We all need a break now and again. His came at the right time. This guy has worked as hard as can be for YEARS.”

While some fans, were celebrating the rags to riches story, others were heavily critical of the manner of his victory. One fan was particularly miffed because had bet on Potgieter to win but the lucky bounce meant that he lost his money.“I lost $2000 because of this.”

Aldrich Potgieter is coming into the 2025 PGA Tour after stellar performances in the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour. He was the youngest winner in the Tour history when he won the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at 19 years and 133 days. A victory would have been a brilliant way to announce himself as the prodigy to watch out for in the world of golf. “damn feel bad for Potgeiter.”

Many others were unkind to Campbell and his efforts, stating that such a victory is not the right kind. One fan tweeted,“Makes me sick”, while another netizen was also blunt with his thoughts on social media.“Yikes, lowkey didn’t deserve to win”

What do you think of Campbell’s shot? Do you think he deserves to get the victory at the 2025 Mexico Open? Or do you think lucky shots should not get rewarded?