Maria Fassi Shines at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open: A Remarkable Return to Home Soil

By: Jessica Marksbury
Published: May 24, 2025

As the LPGA Tour swings into action in Mexico for the first time since 2017, excitement fills the air at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba. Among the fierce competitors, Maria Fassi stands out not just as an exceptional talent but as a proud representative of her home country. The 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur runner-up, Fassi, expresses her thrill at competing in her home turf and the emotional significance it holds for her.

“Very happy to be playing at home this week,” Fassi remarked in anticipation of the tournament. "It’s my first time in Mexico as a professional, so it’s a very, very special week for me." This statement encapsulates the essence of the tournament, showcasing not only Fassi’s commitment to the sport but also her willingness to embrace her roots.

As a home-grown talent, Fassi looked forward to a supportive audience. Friends and family flocked to watch her play, some witnessing her compete live for the first time. However, her journey took a challenging turn after a difficult first-round score of 75 on Thursday, casting doubt on her ability to advance to the weekend rounds.

On Friday, however, Fassi displayed remarkable composure and resilience. Balancing her performance with a series of bogeys and birdies, she approached the 17th tee at even par for the day, placing her just one shot ahead of the cutline. But bad luck struck as her tee shot landed in a divot, resulting in a critical bogey that pushed her to four over overall—barely hanging on to the cutline as she faced the daunting par-5 18th hole.

In a moment that exemplifies the pressure of elite golf, Fassi had the opportunity to secure her spot for the weekend. She found the green in regulation on 18, leaving herself with two putts to stay above the cut. It was a moment laden with tension, but she relied on a newfound mental strategy, honed through advice from legendary golfers. Drawing on lessons learned from titans like Annika Sorenstam, Stacy Lewis, Lorena Ochoa, and Angela Stanford, Fassi prepared to face this pivotal putt.

The backstory is as fascinating as the putt itself. After a disappointing missed opportunity during a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier, Fassi reached out to the LPGA legends. “You’ve had to make a lot of putts in your lifetime. What do you do differently?” she inquired. Each player offered insights that proved invaluable as Fassi stepped up for her crucial putt on the 18th hole at El Camaleon golf course.

As she swung, the ball rolled smoothly into the hole, securing her birdie and allowing her to beat the cut by a single stroke. Fassi celebrated this achievement, becoming the only Mexican player among eight competitors in the field to make it through to the weekend rounds. “Closing with that birdie in front of the crowds was emotional and special for me,” she stated, highlighting the unique connection she feels with her home crowd.

As fans reveled in her triumph, Fassi reflected on her recent hurdles, hinting at how advice from her mentors had informed her game plan. With their guidance fresh in her mind, she felt ready to embrace the challenge ahead of her. “I feel like I just put all their pieces of advice in a blender and executed properly,” she noted, alluding to the mental rigor demanded of high-pressure situations.

Regardless of how her story unfolds at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open, Fassi has more reasons to celebrate. Just days after her triumphant performance, she received exhilarating news—she qualified for the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open. Her reaction was heartfelt. “Very, very relieved, very excited,” she expressed, underscoring her satisfaction and hard work behind the scenes.

As the tournament progresses, Fassi embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that characterizes the LPGA Tour. Her focus on growth and performance not just for herself but for her country makes her a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s golf. With the support of her fans and mentors, Maria Fassi is poised to leave a lasting impact not just on this tournament but on her professional career.

Through her journey, Fassi reminds us all of the beauty of competition and the importance of local roots, proving that the heart of a champion can thrive in any arena—in her case, the picturesque landscape of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. As she heads into the weekend, fans and fellow competitors alike will be watching closely to see how her inspiring story continues to unfold at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open—and beyond.