David Barnett recommended a 45-to-1 wager on Alex Smalley, citing his strong start to 2025 and top-5 standing in Barnett’s model. Barnett praised Smalley’s balanced combination of enough distance off the tee, excellent mid-to-long iron play, and solid short-game skills that should serve him well on the longer par fours and par fives. With his improving form and ability to handle passable lies off the tee, Barnett sees Smalley as an appealing mid-range pick in a wide-open field.

David Barnett advocated for Alex Smalley at the Mexico Open, highlighting Smalley’s strong short game and long iron play. Barnett noted that Stephan Jaeger gained nine strokes around the green in 12 rounds at this course, and suggested Smalley can capitalize in a similar way. Smalley’s ability to handle tricky lies near the green, combined with his solid approach play, could be a difference-maker in this tournament.

David Barnett recommended Trey Mullinax at 90/1, highlighting his PGA Tour victory experience and 180+ mph ball speed. Barnett noted Mullinax’s decent putting and T24 finish here two years ago. With recent performances such as T18 at the American Express and T32 at the Waste Management, Mullinax appears to be solidly in form for the Mexico Open.

David Barnett targeted Luke List at 120/1, noting that he has gained strokes putting in three straight tournaments for the first time since 2021. Already a strong off-the-tee player and a past PGA Tour winner, List could excel if his recent surge in putting continues. Barnett sees List’s high-upside performance as a compelling value play at the Mexico Open.

David Barnett chose Matti Schmid at 90/1, emphasizing his 180 mph ball speed and strong showings on coastal courses with paspalum greens. Barnett noted that three of Schmid’s top-seven finishes came at similar events, making him a boom-or-bust option who could thrive in Mexico’s conditions. Despite bouts of inconsistent iron play, Schmid’s power and track record on comparable layouts point to significant upside.

David Barnett recommended betting on Matti Schmid at 90-1 due to his strong distance off the tee (180 mph ball speed) and demonstrated success on coastal, birdie-friendly tracks. Schmid has two T3 finishes on the PGA Tour, including impressive results at events like the Butterfield Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and Corales, all of which suggests he thrives in similar conditions to Vidanta.

David Barnett touted Kevin Yu as a strong DFS option at $8,000, referencing his T17 finish in his previous outing. Barnett noted Yu’s all-around game checks many boxes for Vidanta, suggesting another potential high finish for the young pro given his improving form.

David Barnett identified Chan Kim as a worthwhile DFS pivot at Vidanta, highlighting his T8 finish here last year. Barnett pointed to Kim’s above-average ball striking and feels that if his putting improves, he is poised to deliver strong results in this field.