October 30, 2026 — Vidanta Vallarta, Mexico. Andrew Novak shot a second-round 61 (10 under) at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open to reach 128 (14 under) through 36 holes. Yet his official post-round interview was about more than the leaderboard: Novak described eight frustrating months in which sound tee-to-green play failed to translate into scores because of his putting.
When the measurements and the scorecard disagree
Novak said his tee-to-green statistics this season were actually stronger than a year earlier. The trouble, by his account, was on the greens. Rounds that might have been 66s or 67s became 69s and 70s, and he characterised himself as among the Tour's poorest putters over roughly eight months. That is his assessment of a difficult stretch, not a separately verified ranking.
He tried several putters, consulted equipment representatives and underwent instrument-based testing. The results repeatedly indicated excellent aim and consistent ball roll. On the course, however, the putts still did not fall. The contradiction between encouraging practice feedback and disappointing tournament results became a source of considerable frustration.
A familiar club, retrieved from storage
Eventually, Novak pulled out a putter he had used many years earlier. It had rusted, and he admitted he did not even know its current loft or lie angle. Familiarity mattered more to him than having a complete specification sheet. He linked his improved putting over his previous four tournaments to the return of that club; this is his personal account, not proof that older or rusty putters perform better.
The change began at the Wyndham Championship, he explained. Instead of repeatedly switching equipment or dissecting every technical variable, he has simplified his approach. He may occasionally practise the ball's start line using a chalk line on the green, but the aim is to avoid excessive analysis rather than introduce a new elaborate routine.
The round began with an imperfect warm-up
Novak said his driver had not been especially reliable on the range. His first tee shot, though, was solid; a subsequent 7-iron approach finished about three feet from the hole. The combination gave him an early sense that a low round might be possible. His iron play and putting were strong, while he still identified several wedge shots he wanted to improve.
At the halfway point, Novak led the nearest contenders by three strokes. With 36 holes left, he was not announcing a victory. His stated priority was to keep finding fairways, generate birdie opportunities and make enough putts to capitalise on them.
What the interview does — and does not — prove
The meaningful lesson is the gap between practice measurements and performance in competition. Novak did not claim that fitting is useless or prescribe an old putter for everyone. He recounted his own route back to a familiar club and a simpler putting process. This article is an original account of remarks made in an official October 30 interview, not a new interview conducted by GOLFTWITT.
Source: Andrew Novak — Round 2 Quick Quotes, official transcript.
