Professional golfer Rafael Campos opened up about his difficult season as he fights to keep his PGA Tour card at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open. Sitting deep in the FedEx Cup Fall standings with only a few events remaining, Campos faces another high-pressure finish to secure his playing privileges.
A Dramatic Shift in Fortunes
Two years ago, Campos secured a career-changing victory in Bermuda, earning a two-year exemption just days after his wife’s labor was induced so he could compete. However, the expected momentum did not follow that maiden victory. Campos struggled significantly over the subsequent seasons, making only nine of 31 cuts in 2025 and just six of 22 cuts this season as his exemption period nears its end.
Entering this week’s tournament at Vidanta Vallarta at 168th in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, Campos understands he needs an exceptional finish with only four tournaments left on his schedule. After opening with a one-over 72, he bounced back during the second round by carding two eagles, six birdies, and three bogeys for a seven-under 64 to make the cut.
Coping With the Pressure
Reflecting on his struggles after his second-round performance, Campos shared his frustration with sports.yahoo.com regarding his prolonged slump and the heavy burden of job security. He noted that trying to provide for a family makes the lack of a secure job for the upcoming year deeply painful and depressing.
“I’m tired of playing bad,” Campos told sports.yahoo.com. “Honestly, it’s been a very, very tough year. Working extremely hard and just not feeling great on top of the ball.”
“Having job security is extremely big for us professionals that are not at the top right now,” he added to sports.yahoo.com. “You know, you try to provide for the family. That’s all we focus on right now. Yeah, not having a job for next year right now is very painful. Very, very painful. I mean, very depressing to see the way I’ve been playing golf these last couple years. Like I said, there’s still chances. As long as there’s chances at tournaments, we can change our life immediately, which I did a couple years ago, and I’m hoping to do it again hopefully soon.”
Hoping for a Turnaround
Sitting tied for 34th and eight shots behind 36-hole leader Andrew Novak, Campos explained to sports.yahoo.com that Friday’s round simply offers a momentary relief and a weight lifted off his shoulders. To keep his card, he acknowledges he likely needs a win or a solo second-place finish alongside other strong results.
“Emotionally, oh, my gosh,” Campos told sports.yahoo.com about making the cut. “One, it’s a little weight off my back right now. I’m in a horrible — I’m pretty far down [in the standings]. I understand that I have to — in order to keep my job again, I have to either win, solo second and a couple good finishes. I only have four tournaments left. [It’s] unfortunate to put that much pressure on yourself, but I am in that spot right now.”
Despite the challenges, the 38-year-old maintains his belief that his game can click at any moment. Recalling the joy of his victory in Bermuda, he remains hopeful that the weekend in Mexico can spark another life-changing turnaround for his family.
“That was a life-changing moment for my family and myself,” Campos told sports.yahoo.com regarding his past win. “Still have the hopes. Yeah, it’s unfortunate it’s my second year after the win. I thought this year was obviously going to get better and it was even worse than the year before.”
Campos will look to continue climbing the leaderboard during the remaining rounds in Mexico.
