LIV Golf star Carlos Ortiz fights back tears after U.S. Open agony
Carlos Ortiz was in the mix at the U.S. Open on Sunday, before a late mistake cost him the chance to win a first major title.
Carlos Ortiz experienced a heart-rending moment when he nearly clinched the U.S. Open title at Oakmont on Sunday, only to fall short and struggle to hold back his tears.
After achieving entry through Final Qualifying, Ortiz stood out as one of the top LIV Golf players, alongside Tyrrell Hatton, during the season's third major championship. The Mexican was among the big names vying for the win during the closing stretch under harsh conditions at Oakmont.
In the end, J.J. Spaun emerged victorious before experiencing an awkward moment with his wife, while contenders like Ortiz and Hatton dropped back. For Ortiz, a critical double bogey on the 15th proved excessively costly.
- Dale Earnhardt's widow angers neighbors with $30B plans after family's grave admission
- Rory McIlroy makes candid confession about family life after U.S. Open
Addressing the media post-final round, an emotional Ortiz reflected on his week, acknowledging the importance of seizing opportunities when they arose. "A really great week," he shared about his overall play.
"Obviously, when you have a chance, you really want to take advantage of it. I feel like I played good enough.
"I just made a few mistakes that cost me. Overall, pretty proud."It was, of course, the mistake at 15 that saw the Mexican fall out of the running, having been tied at the top alongside a group of players at one-over-par with just four holes left to play."
"It just happens," he said of his six at the gruelling 503-yard par-four. "You hit a bad drive, and then on my third shot, I hit it really thin. It was hard to get a clean contact. It was really, really wet."
The wet conditions at Oakmont had a big impact on Sunday's play. Justin Thomas, a two-time major champion, commented on the challenging conditions via social media after missing the cut on Friday. "Man... This course looking a little questionable to play right now," he posted on X.
For Ortiz, it was his first time contending in the thick of a major championship Sunday showdown, an experience he found exhilarating rather than nerve-wracking. "It felt good," he said.
Don't miss: U.S. Open star has last laugh after spending more than $7K to play event
Don't miss: Jay Monahan confirms PGA Tour exit as Tiger Woods helps choose successor
Don't miss: PGA Tour set to grant Phil Mickelson's wish as LIV Golf talks rumble on
"I felt comfortable. Obviously, I made a double on 15, but I wasn't nervous or anything; I just hit a bad third shot."
Ortiz was paired with fellow LIV golfer Hatton, who also fell short of securing his first major title following a bogey-bogey finish. Reflecting on their round together, Hatton remarked: "It was good. I think we were both just fighting really hard out there.
"Yeah, I mean, if one or another hits a good shot, then I guess you kind of celebrate it. It's pretty hard to hit it close out there. We tried our best today."
Currently leading the Asian Tour Order of Merit and sitting seventh in the LIV season standings, Ortiz is showing strong form with five events remaining.
