Carlos Ortiz wins LIV Golf Houston for 1st victory on the Saudi-funded league
Carlos Ortiz wins LIV Golf Houston for 1st victory on the Saudi-funded league
Carlos Ortiz, of Torque GC, smiles on the driving range during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Carlos Ortiz, of Torque GC, watches his putt on the seventh green during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Carlos Ortiz, of Torque GC, hits on the sixth hole during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Patrick Reed, of 4Aces GC, hits from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Captain Sergio Garcia, of Fireballs GC, hits on the fourth hole during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via AP)
Adrian Meronk, of Cleeks GC, hits from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Paul Casey, of Crushers GC, hits from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Carlos Ortiz, of Torque GC, smiles on the driving range during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Carlos Ortiz, of Torque GC, watches his putt on the seventh green during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Carlos Ortiz, of Torque GC, hits on the sixth hole during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Patrick Reed, of 4Aces GC, hits from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Captain Sergio Garcia, of Fireballs GC, hits on the fourth hole during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via AP)
Adrian Meronk, of Cleeks GC, hits from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
Paul Casey, of Crushers GC, hits from the first tee during the final round of LIV Golf Houston at Golf Club of Houston, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Humble, Texas. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via AP)
HUMBLE, Texas (AP) — Carlos Ortiz won LIV Golf Houston on Sunday for his first victory on the Saudi-funded league and second big win in the Houston area.
Ortiz closed with a 5-under 67 to beat Adrian Meronk by a stroke at the Golf Club of Houston. The Mexican player won the 2020 Houston Open at Memorial Park for his lone PGA Tour title.
“I love playing here,” Ortiz said. “Obviously, Texas treats me well. It’s my adopted home state. I’m just happy to get it done again in Houston.”
Part of a four-way tie for the lead entering the day, the 33-year-old Ortiz finished at 15-under 201.
“It means a lot,” Ortiz said. “I’ve been working really hard, as how you’ve said, I’ve come close a couple times.”
Meronk shot a 68 to help Cleeks GC win the team title. The German joined LIV Golf this year.
Area resident Patrick Reed had a 68 to tie for third at 12 under with Spain’s David Puig (69). Sergio Garcia was fifth at 11 under after a 68.
On Saturday, Jon Rahm withdrew after playing just six holes because of an infected left foot, leaving his status in doubt for the U.S. Open next week at Pinehurst No. 2.
___ AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf