Carlos Ortiz wins LIV Golf Houston for first win in Saudi-funded league

HUMBLE, Texas (AP) — Carlos Ortiz won LIV Golf Houston on Sunday for his first victory in the Saudi-funded league and his second major victory in the Houston area.

Ortiz finished with a 5-under 67 to beat Adrian Meronk by one stroke at The Golf Club of Houston. The Mexican player won the 2020 Houston Open at Memorial Park for his only PGA Tour title.

“I love playing here,” Ortiz said. “Obviously, Texas treats me well. This is my adopted state. I’m just happy to start again in Houston.

Part of a four-way tie for the lead entering the day, Ortiz, 33, finished at 15-under 201.

“It means a lot,” Ortiz said. “I worked very hard, as you said, I came close several 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 score of 68, putting him tied for third at 12 under with Spaniard David Puig (69). Sergio Garcia finished fifth at 11 under after a 68.

On Saturday, Jon Rahm withdrew after playing only six holes due to an infection in his left foot, leaving his status uncertain for next week’s U.S. Open at No. 2 Pinehurst.

___ AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf