The PGA Tour doesn’t stage occasions in Mexico usually, so Alvaro Oritz is taking full benefit of his alternative at this week’s Mexico Open at Vidanta.
And he’s having enjoyable doing so—as a sponsor’s exemption, no much less.
Ortiz, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, shot up the leaderboard Friday, because of his splendid 7-under 64. He made 5 birdies on the again aspect—his opening 9—and made a terrific 30-footer for eagle on the par-5 sixth.
He now holds a share of the lead at 11-under with Matt Wallace of England and Finland’s Sami Valimaki on the halfway level.
“It’s superior to have my household, to have my pals, to have my folks. We don’t get to play a lot in Mexico, so it’s fairly cool to be out right here, to be taking part in effectively and really feel the assist from them,” Ortiz mentioned after Friday’s second spherical.
“It’s extra enjoyable, it’s extra enjoyable [playing in Mexico]. I don’t get to try this usually. Like many individuals, the yelling, it’s enjoyable. I don’t get that a lot within the States, but it surely’s fairly cool to see how many individuals are coming, and hopefully, will probably be packed this weekend.”
Ought to Ortiz stay in competition all through the weekend, the galleries at Vidanta Vallarta will flock to the 28-year-old Mexican.
Picture by Hector Vivas/Getty Photos
It can come all the way down to his putter, and if it could possibly stay scorching. Proper now, Ortiz ranks third within the discipline in strokes gained placing. However he has given himself loads of alternatives, too.
“I feel undoubtedly the ball-striking, it was very strong from tee to inexperienced,” Ortiz mentioned when requested what went effectively for him on Friday.
“I really putted very effectively [too]. I didn’t make as many putts as yesterday, however I undoubtedly really feel very strong on the market. Simply very comfy. I’ve been working actually exhausting on my swing this previous 12 months, and it’s good to see the exhausting work paying off.”
After lacking the reduce on the Mexico Open final 12 months, Ortiz spent his 2023 season totally on the Mexican skilled golf circuit and the PGA Tour Latinoamerica.
He then made it to the ultimate phases of Q-College, the place he tied for twenty first, thus incomes a Korn Ferry Tour card for the 2024 season. The highest 40 finishers—exterior of the highest 5—earned taking part in privileges on the Korn Ferry Tour this season.
“I feel I closed very robust on the Latin America season after which performed very effectively within the Mexican Tour, and that carried over, that momentum, to Q-College,” Ortiz mentioned.
“Been taking part in very well. Simply excited to get this chance. Very grateful to Grupo Salinas and Vidanta, they make this occur. They invited me again, so completely happy to be within the weekend.”
Ought to Ortiz go on to win, he would obtain an invite to Augusta Nationwide.
That will be fairly particular, contemplating he competed in The Masters in 2019 as an newbie after successful the Latin America Newbie Championship. Ortiz completed one stroke behind Viktor Hovland that 12 months; in any other case, he would have been low-amateur.
Nonetheless, Ortiz feels assured in his sport, and rightfully so. He has the expertise to succeed on the highest ranges, similar to his brother Carlos.
“[Everything] was fairly strong. From tee to inexperienced, it was nearly as good because it could possibly be,” Ortiz mentioned.
“I hit the ball very effectively and simply felt very comfy on the market. It was very clear, very stress-free… Pleased to be within the place I’m in.”
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. Remember to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.
