Ortiz’s Strong Performance in US Open Highlights Unpredictable Tournament
Carlos Ortiz, a member of the LIV Golf circuit, showcased his skills with a third-round score of 67 strokes, three under par, placing him in fourth provisional position at the US Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Leading the Pack
Local golfers J.J. Spaun and Sam Burns led the tournament with Ortiz just three strokes behind them. Norwegian Viktor Hovland was in fourth place, four strokes behind the leaders.
Unpredictable Nature of the Tournament
This 125th edition of the US Open has proven to be highly unpredictable, with no major title winners among the top contenders. The challenging Oakmont course, located near Pittsburgh, has caused difficulties for top favorites such as Scottie Scheffler (world number one), Jon Rahm (2021 US Open champion), and Rory McIlroy (recent Masters of Augusta winner).
Ortiz Adapts to Challenging Conditions
Ortiz, 34, has never finished among the top 50 in his previous ten major appearances. However, on Saturday, he entered the race for the $4.3 million prize with a four-birdie, one-bogey round. He described the course conditions as “a bit softer,” but emphasized the need for precise play from tee to green and ensuring the ball eventually finds the hole.
Ortiz’s Background and Recent Successes
Before joining LIV Golf three years ago, Ortiz made a significant impact on Mexican golf by winning the 2020 Houston Open, ending a 42-year drought for his country on the PGA Tour. He also secured his first LIV Golf victory in Texas last year.
Other Notable Performances
Argentine golfer Emiliano Grillo occupied the thirteenth spot, seven strokes behind the leaders, sharing the position with Scheffler. World number one Scheffler remained at par (70) without closing the gap on his quest for a second major title following the PGA Championship in May.
Top Contenders Struggle
Jon Rahm, the only Spanish champion of this prestigious tournament, finished with a +3 score (73) and is ten strokes behind the leaders. Rory McIlroy, who had six bogeys for a score of 74, acknowledged his poor performance and the extreme difficulties presented by Oakmont.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Carlos Ortiz? Carlos Ortiz is a 34-year-old Mexican professional golfer currently competing in the LIV Golf circuit.
- Why is Ortiz relevant in the US Open? Ortiz’s strong performance, placing him fourth after the third round, highlights his potential to win the prestigious tournament.
- How has Oakmont’s course affected top contenders? The challenging Oakmont course has caused difficulties for top favorites, including world number one Scheffler and recent Masters winner Rory McIlroy.
- What are Ortiz’s previous achievements? Ortiz has won the 2020 Houston Open and secured his first LIV Golf victory in Texas last year.
- How are other notable golfers performing? Argentine Emiliano Grillo is in thirteenth place, while world number one Scheffler remains at par without closing the gap on his quest for a second major title.
- What challenges does Jon Rahm face? The Spanish champion of the US Open is ten strokes behind the leaders after finishing with a +3 score.
- How has Rory McIlroy performed? McIlroy, the world number two, acknowledged his poor performance and the extreme difficulties presented by Oakmont.
