Asian Tour Book 2024

CARLOS IN CRUISE MODE ON MUSCAT COASTLINE MEXICAN ENJOYS INTERNATIONAL SERIES BREEZE Remarkably, Carlos Ortiz [right] dropped his only shots of the week on his very first hole. T rying to minimise mistakes was the mantra for Carlos Ortiz when he teed-off his 2024 campaign at Al Mouj Golf in the opening event on The International Series. A double-bogey six on his very first hole of the US$2million International Series Oman was not exactly what he had in mind. Yet the Mexican showed no signs of panic. Trusting the process, he simply stuck to his gameplan – and ended up reaping rich rewards. After that false start, the 32-year-old embarked on a remarkable run that saw him cover the remaining 71 holes in 21-under-par – and without dropping another stroke. It was a virtuoso display that secured himan emphatic four-stroke success, his first victory since winning the PGA Tour’s Houston Open more than three years earlier. “It means so much to win an International Series event,” said Ortiz, who posted rounds of 67, 69, 68 and a closing 65. Mastering the stiff breezes that proved a challenge throughout the week on the Muscat coastline, he was the only player in the field to break 70 on all four days, testament to his technique and strategy. “I’ve been playing solid, just trying to minimise mistakes. I’ve done that really well. It’s been working. I am not trying to be too aggressive, just find the greens and give myself chances. This is the kind of golf course when you start pushing you can make mistakes,” said Ortiz, who began the final day in a share of top spot with South African Louis Oosthuizen. After reeling off five pars to start his final round, Ortiz found his range, racing clear of the pack with a golden spell that saw himmake seven birdies in nine holes, beginning at the sixth. “With the way the wind was, I had to hold on for the first five holes. After that it was more downwind. This is how this course plays and you have to take advantage of it. The wind then kind of calmed down and I attacked the pins, and made some good putts,” said Ortiz, whose stunning performance drew praise from fellow LIV Golf players Oosthuizen and Chilean Joaquin Niemann. 37 I N T ER NAT IONA L SER I E S OMA N A L MO U J GO L F F E B R UA RY 2 2 - 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 | P R I Z E MON E Y: U S $ 2 M I L L I ON