If you’re looking for mexico open tee times and wondering why the usual February dates feel a little quiet this year, there’s a massive reason for that. For the first time, the PGA TOUR has shifted this event into the FedExCup Fall swing.
It’s a big deal. Honestly, it’s a total vibe shift for the tournament. Instead of being a pre-Masters tune-up in the spring heat, the 2026 VidantaWorld Mexico Open is scheduled for October 29 to November 1, 2026.
That changes the strategy for players. It changes the experience for fans. And if you're trying to snag a tee time for yourself on the Norman Signature Course, it definitely changes your booking window.
The Shift to October: What Happens to the Schedule?
Most people are used to seeing the pros descend on Vallarta when the winter blues are hitting the States. Moving the tournament to the fall means the stakes are different.
In the FedExCup Fall, players aren’t just playing for a trophy; they are fighting for their lives—or at least their jobs. These fall events determine the final top 125 players who keep their full PGA TOUR cards for the following season. You’re going to see a lot of "bubble" players grinding out every single putt. It’s high-drama golf.
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Key 2026 Dates to Remember:
- Practice Rounds: Monday, October 26 – Wednesday, October 28.
- Tournament Rounds: Thursday, October 29 – Sunday, November 1.
- Tee Time Announcements: Usually, the Round 1 and Round 2 pairings and mexico open tee times are released on the Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon before the event starts.
Watching the Pros: How Tee Times Work at Vidanta
If you’ve never been to a PGA event in Mexico, the morning vs. afternoon split is crucial.
During the first two days, half the field starts in the morning (roughly 7:30 AM) and the other half starts around noon. Because Vidanta Vallarta is a coastal course, the wind—or "the breeze" if you're feeling poetic—usually picks up significantly after 1:00 PM.
If you are following a specific player, hope they get the early morning slot on Thursday. The greens are smoother, and the air is still. By the time the afternoon groups hit the back nine, the Pacific wind is whipping across those exposed fairways, making a 460-yard par 4 feel like a marathon.
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The Fan Experience
Most fans show up around 10:30 AM. This is the "sweet spot" where you can catch the early groups finishing their rounds on the 18th and the afternoon big-hitters starting their warm-ups on the range.
Can You Play the Course? Getting Your Own Tee Times
This is the question everyone asks. Can you actually play where the pros play? Yes, but not during tournament week.
The Vidanta Vallarta course (the Norman Signature) usually closes to the public about 7 to 10 days before the tournament to allow the grounds crew to get the greens up to "PGA speed." If you’ve ever played a course right after a pro event, you know those greens are like glass. It's punishing but kind of a rush.
Booking your own Mexico Open tee times:
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- Off-Peak (Summer/Early Fall): Rates are generally lower, but the humidity is no joke.
- Tournament Aftermath: If you can book a round in the two weeks following November 1, do it. You’ll be playing the course in its absolute peak condition.
- Public Rates: Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $450 USD depending on your resort status and the time of day. Morning slots are always the most expensive.
Why Vidanta Vallarta is a Different Beast
Greg Norman designed this place to be a "bomber’s paradise," but that’s a bit of a trap.
While the fairways look wide, the Paspalum grass is "sticky." Unlike the Bermuda or Bentgrass you might find in the U.S., the ball doesn't roll as much when it lands. You have to carry the ball the full distance.
Then there’s the Ameca River. It snakes through the property and comes into play more than you’d think, especially on the back nine. If you’re playing here yourself, bring an extra sleeve of balls. Or three.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Trip
Don't wait until the last minute. The move to the fall means this coincides with "Day of the Dead" celebrations in Mexico (Dia de los Muertos), which is a massive cultural event.
- Book Lodging Now: Because the tournament falls over the October 31/November 1 weekend, hotels in Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta will fill up with both golf fans and holiday travelers.
- Ticket Sales: Official tickets for the 2026 event are slated to go on sale in January 2026. Check the official PGA TOUR or VidantaWorld sites early to get the "Early Bird" pricing.
- Monitor the Field: Since this is now a FedExCup Fall event, keep an eye on the points list. The players ranked 100-150 will almost certainly be there, battling for their cards.
- Transport: If you aren't staying on the Vidanta property, the shuttle system is your best friend. Traffic in Vallarta during a major event is, frankly, a nightmare.
The new fall slot for the Mexico Open isn't just a date change—it's a complete rebranding of the tournament's intensity. Whether you're there to see the official mexico open tee times for the pros or you're trying to card a birdie on the 18th yourself, the end of October is now the most important week on the Mexican golf calendar.