LIV Golf Tour
Houston Is No Problem For Ortiz Winning Maiden LIV Golf Tour Event
Carlos Ortiz enjoys a liking for golf in the Houston area. On Sunday, the 33-year-old from Mexico claimed a narrow one-shot victory at LIV Golf Houston for his first victory on other breakaway tour. In 2020, Ortiz claimed the Vivint Houston Open for his only win on the PGA TOUR.
Ortiz posted rounds of 66 and 68 before closing with a superb 5-under 67 at the Golf Club of Houston to reach 15-under. The stunning g round included six birdies. He held a two-shot lead heading into the final hole giving him some breathing space to post a bogey and hold off Poland’s Adrian Meronk by one shot.
Meronk, aged 31, signed for a 4-under 68 to get to 14-under and outright second place. It was his best result during his rookie LIV Golf Tour season and his fourth top 10 finish from eight starts.
America’s Patrick Reed (68) and Spain’s David Puig (69) shared third place at 13-under.
Lucas Herbert placed best out of the Australians. The 28-year-old Victorian carded a 3-under 69 final round to get to 10-under. He finished in a tie in 6th place for his best result at a LIV Golf Tour event.
Jon Rahm withdraw from the event after six holes on Saturday due to a foot injury.
Joaquin Niemann maintains his lead in the season’s individual standings from Rahm and South Africa’s Dean Burmester. Cam Smith is in 10th place.
The Martin Kaymer led Cleeks Golf Club won the team event at 33-under. Kaymer’s foursome includes runner up Meronk, Richard Bland and Kalle Samooja. Cam Smith's all-Aussie Ripper Golf Club finished well back at 13-under and in 10th place.
The Crushers Golf Club, led by big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau, hold top spot in the Team event’s season standings. Ripper Golf Club is placed in fourth spot.
The next LIV Golf Tour event will be staged in Nashville at The Grove from June 21 - 23.
Final Scores
Individual
1. Carlos Ortiz -15
2. Adrian Meronk -14
T3.Patrick Reed -13
T3. David Puig -13
5. Sergio Garcia -11
T6. Anirban Lahiri -10
T6. Graeme McDowell -10
T6. Lucas Herbert -10
Other Australians
T24. Marc Leishman -4
T39. Matt Jones -1
T48. Cam Smith +4
Team
1. Clerks Golf Club -33
T2. Smash Golf Club -31
T2. Fireballs Golf Club -31
10. Ripper Golf Club -13
Image Credit: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
