Carlos Ortiz makes most of Mexico Open snub as LIV Golf star wins on Asian Tour
Mexican star Carlos Ortiz made the most of his venture over to the Asian Tour after winning the International Series event in Oman, all whilst his home Open was taking place on the PGA Tour.
Ortiz was one of a number of stars who left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf, and in doing so was banned from the American-based circuit. He would have felt the effects of the ban more than usual heading into this week, with the Mexico Open taking place at Vidanta Vallarta.
Despite being forced to miss his home Open, Ortiz capitalised on his PGA Tour snub, instead turning his attention to the Asian Tour's International Series that was taking place in Oman.
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The Mexican was one of 21 LIV stars competing in the Middle East, and in an event dominated by those making the trip over from the breakaway circuit, it was Ortiz who was crowned champion. Four impressive rounds in the 60's, including a finishing seven-under-par 65 on Sunday ensured he got his hands on his first Asian Tour title.
The Torque GC star ended the week at 19-under for the tournament, four shots clear of fellow LIV member Louis Oosthuizen in second, whilst his LIV Golf team captain Joaquin Niemann finished a further shot back in third. In total, eight LIV players finished inside the top-10 including ties.
Nobody could better Ortiz though, who parred his opening five holes of the final round, before birdieing seven of his next nine holes to move away from the chasing pack. Four pars then followed from the 32-year-old to cap off an impressive week at Al Mouj Golf.
Carlos Ortiz saw off Louis Oosthuizen in Sunday's final round (Getty Images)Speaking after his win, Ortiz said: "With the way the wind was, I had to hold on for the first five holes. After that it was more downwind, so this is how this course plays and you have to take advantage of it. The wind then kind of calmed down and I attacked the pins, and I made some good putts."
The Mexican star is now hoping to transfer this form over onto the LIV circuit, whilst also forging his way into golf's four major championships after tumbling down the rankings on the back of his Saudi switch. He added: "I hope this is the start of a great year. It means so much to win an event on The International Series. I would like to play in Majors this year and win on the LIV Golf League.”
One man who will be at two of the four majors is his LIV skipper Niemann, who was handed an invite to compete at this year's Masters earlier this week, to go with his Open championship spot. Unsurprisingly, he too is hoping he and his teammate can replicate their performances on the LIV circuit ahead of next week's trip to Jeddah.
"I fought hard, and it was a lot of fun," the Chilean commented after his third-place finish. "I would have loved to have been in that group fighting with Carlos. This is good preparation for the next two weeks on LIV.”
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