Carlos Ortiz Shines Bright with Stellar 67 at U.S. Open!

Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, PA, USA - Carlos Ortiz, a former standout for the Mean Green golf team, has made quite a splash at the 125th U.S. Open Championship currently underway at Oakmont Country Club. After a stellar third round performance, Ortiz finds himself in fifth place with a score of even-par, just four shots behind the leader, Sam Burns, who is at 4-under par. It’s not just luck; Ortiz shot a brilliant 3-under 67 on Saturday, tying for the lowest round of the day alongside the well-known Adam Scott. With such a score, it’s clear Ortiz is not just holding his own but is a serious contender for the title, as detailed by Mean Green Sports.

Despite finishing with a blemish, making a bogey on the 18th hole—his only one of the day—Ortiz’s performance has been impressive. He had been on a roll with a bogey-free round until that point. His 67 marks the best major championship round of his career, showcasing his skill during crucial moments in high-stakes competition. Furthermore, Ortiz leads the field in Greens in Regulation, hitting 43 of 54 and showcasing his consistency, while also gaining 5.68 strokes in the process, a feat that few can achieve.

High Stakes and High Rewards

As the tournament progresses, the stakes are climbing as well. The U.S. Open has a purse of $21.5 million, with the winner walking away with a hefty $4.3 million. It’s certainly worth striving for, as the runner-up isn’t too shabby either, raking in $2.32 million, while a third-place finish nets $1.46 million. This financial incentive underscores the competitive spirit among the golfers, as noted by Trib Live.

Ortiz has been on a journey in professional golf, having never made a cut at his first major tournament at Oakmont in 2016. Now, at 34 and armed with experience, he has already tasted victory on the PGA Tour in Houston back in 2020 and more recently, at LIV Golf in Tucson in 2023. This quest is not just personal; Ortiz aims to become the first Mexican golfer to capture a men’s major championship, a goal that adds a layer of excitement to his performance.

Course Conditions and Competitors

While Ortiz has shown remarkable skill, the course itself has proven to be no easy feat. The director of golf at Oakmont, Devin Gee, mentioned that despite recent rains, the course has remained quite tough, a fact echoed by the USGA’s report on conditions. Greens have been running like clockwork in the 14s on the Stimpmeter, offering little room for error.

Among the other significant scores of the day, World No. 1 Scott Scheffler finished with an even-par 70, which places him at 4-over for the tournament and tied for 11th, lagging eight strokes behind the leader. Meanwhile, players have faced their own set of challenges, with the 15th hole yielding the highest stroke average of 4.410 and yielding no birdies at all, while the 17th hole provided some relief, with a 3.66 stroke average and 28 birdies made.

As Ortiz prepares to tee off at 12:53 p.m. on Sunday, paired with Tyrrell Hatton, who is currently tied for sixth at 1-over, all eyes will be on him. Will he continue to defy the odds and make history? For fans and followers of Ortiz, one thing is certain: each swing holds a world of potential.