'Number 1' Johnson 2nd "Ready for Masters"…Ortiz's Surprise Victory

'COVID-19' Recovery and First Appearance at Houston Open "Green Light for Masters," Ortiz Builds Historic Milestone as First Mexican Winner in 42 Years

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson is holing out on the 18th hole on the final day of the Houston Open. Houston, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Ready to take on the Masters."

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) secured runner-up in the 'mock test.' On the 9th (Korean time), at the final day of the PGA Tour Houston Open (total prize money $7 million) held at Memorial Park in Houston, Texas (par 71, 7,021 yards), he shot 5-under par to finish tied for 2nd place (11-under par 269). This stage drew even more spotlight ahead of the Masters starting on the 12th. Carlos Ortiz (Mexico) claimed a surprise victory (13-under par 267).

Johnson swept 3 wins in the 2020 season and became the final champion of the playoffs (PO), hitting a '15 million dollar (1.7 billion KRW) jackpot.' It is interesting that he was diagnosed with COVID-19 before The CJ Cup on the 14th of last month. This tournament marked his first appearance after full recovery. After starting with a 2-over par tied for 63rd on the first day, he surged with a 4-under par on the second day to tie for 14th, and added another 4-under par on the third day to settle in 5th place, regaining his competitive shot rhythm as the rounds progressed.

On this day, he combined 6 birdies and 1 bogey. His early burst stood out with two pairs of consecutive birdies on holes 2-3 and 6-7. The bogey on the 9th hole (par 3) was recovered with a birdie on the 11th hole (par 3), and he added another birdie on the 15th hole (par 3). His pinpoint iron shots, missing the green only twice, were powerful. Experts are focusing on Johnson’s 'stingy putting' average of 1.70 putts on the 'glassy greens' reminiscent of Augusta National, the Masters venue.

Carlos Ortiz (right) is enjoying the moment of joy with his wife immediately after winning the Houston Open. Houston, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

Ortiz added 5 more strokes to complete a 2-stroke victory. He secured his PGA Tour card the following year after 3 wins on the secondary tour in 2014. Currently ranked 160th in the world, he made news by claiming the winner’s trophy before Mexico’s top player Abraham Ancer (ranked 22nd). The winner’s prize money was $1.26 million (1.414 billion KRW), marking a milestone as the first Mexican player to win in 42 years since V?ctor Regalado won the Quad Cities Open in 1978.

He shared a story of being a hometown junior of Lorena Ochoa (Mexico), Mexico’s greatest female golfer. He grew up watching Ochoa practice and nurturing his dream. Most importantly for Ortiz, the ticket to next year’s Masters holds great significance. He visited Augusta National last year to watch his younger brother ?lvaro compete, who participated as the Latin America Amateur Champion, but next year he will compete for the championship. He cheered, saying, "It feels like a dream."

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) joined the tie for 2nd place with a daily best 7-under par, and Taylor Gooch finished 4th (9-under par 271). Brooks Koepka (USA) tied for 5th (8-under par 272). Koepka benefited greatly from his role as an advisor during course designer Tom Doak’s Memorial Park renovation. For Korea, Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) finished tied for 50th (3-over par 283). Defending champion Lanto Griffin (USA) ended tied for 58th (4-over par 284).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.