Ortiz edges Meronk to secure LIV Golf Houston win

Carlos Ortiz of Mexico secured his inaugural LIV Golf victory in Houston, Texas, with a remarkable five-under par 67 on Sunday, edging out Adrian Meronk of Poland by a single stroke.

Ortiz concluded the 54-hole tournament with a total score of 15-under 201, triumphantly returning to the city where he clinched his only US PGA Tour title in 2020.

Ortiz and Meronk were among the four leaders heading into the final round, alongside Paul Casey of England and David Puig of Spain. With four holes remaining at the Golf Club of Houston, Ortiz and Meronk were still tied. However, Ortiz took control of the game by securing a birdie at the par-five 15th hole, while Meronk faltered with a bogey.

Meronk's impressive four-under round secured him second place with a score of 14-under, contributing to his team, Cleeks GC, claiming the team title.

Puig finished tied for third place with Patrick Reed, the former Masters champion, both with a three-under score. Unfortunately, Casey fell behind with a one-over final round.

This tournament served as a final preparation for LIV golfers before the upcoming US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion and consecutive US Open winner in 2017 and 2018, finished tied for ninth place.

However, former US Open champion Jon Rahm of Spain withdrew from the event during the second round on Saturday due to an infection in his left foot.

Rahm, who secured his first major victory at the 2021 US Open and won the Masters last year, decided to call it quits after completing six holes on Saturday.

This decision may have been made in the hopes of better preparing himself for the third major of the year.

Currently ranked seventh in the world, Rahm has faced challenges in this year's majors, finishing tied for 44th at the master's and missing the cut at the PGA Championship last month.