The PGA Tour doesn’t often hold events in Mexico, so Alvaro Oritz is making the most of this week’s Mexican Open at Vidanta.
And he enjoys doing so – even as a sponsor exemption.
Ortiz, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, moved up the leaderboard Friday with an impressive 7-under 64. He made five birdies (the first nine) on the backside and made a spectacular 30-foot eagle for par. 5 6th place.
He currently shares the lead with Britain’s Matt Wallace and Finland’s Sami Valimäki on 11 under.
“It’s great to have family, friends, and colleagues. I don’t get to play much in Mexico, so it’s great to be able to come out here and play well and feel the support from them.” Ortiz said after Friday’s second round.
“More fun, more fun” [playing in Mexico]. You can’t really do that. Like many people, I find screaming fun. It’s so nice to see how many people come, even though we don’t get that many in America, and hopefully it’ll be packed this weekend. ”
If Ortiz stays in contention throughout the weekend, the Vidanta Vallarta gallery will be flooded with the 28-year-old Mexican.
Photo credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images
It’s all about his putter and whether it can stay hot. Ortiz currently ranks third in the world in strokes gained in putts. But he has also given himself many opportunities.
“I definitely think it was the way he hit the ball. He was very solid from tee to green,” Ortiz said Friday when asked what he liked best.
“He actually putted very well.” [too]. I didn’t make as many putts as I did yesterday, but I definitely feel very solid. It’s just very comfortable. I’ve been working hard on my swing this past year, so I’m glad that my hard work is paying off. ”
After missing out on last year’s Mexican Open, Ortiz spent the 2023 season primarily on the professional golf circuit in Mexico and on the PGA Tour Latin America.
He then advanced to the final stage of Q-School, tied for 21st place and earned his Korn Ferry Tour card for the 2024 season. The top 40 finishers outside of the top five were awarded a spot on this season’s Cone Tour.
“I think we did very well in the Latin American season and then played very well on the Mexico tour, and that momentum carried over into Q-School,” Ortiz said.
“I’ve been playing really well. I’m just excited to get this opportunity. I’m very grateful to Grupo Salinas and Vidanta for making this possible. They invited me again. , I was very happy to be able to participate this weekend.”
If Ortiz continues to win, he will receive an invitation to Augusta National.
This would be pretty special considering he competed in the 2019 Masters as an amateur after winning the Latin American Amateur Championship. That year, Ortiz finished one stroke behind Viktor Hovland. Otherwise, he would have been at an amateur level.
Despite this, Ortiz is confident in his game, and rightly so. He has the talent to succeed at the highest level, just like his brother Carlos.
“[Everything] It was quite solid. It was great from tee to green,” Ortiz said.
“I hit the ball very well and felt very comfortable. It was very clean, very stress-free…I was happy to be in the position I was in.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
