Vivint Houston Open

Mexico Wins As Ortiz Fends Off World Number One Johnson

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Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz captured his first US PGA Tour title by firing five birdies in a five-under par 67 for a two-shot Houston Open victory over top-ranked Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama.

Ortiz padded his margin with the final flourish of a birdie on 18 at Memorial Park Golf Course, “It was awesome finishing with this birdie putt on 18,” said Ortiz, who rolled in a 22-footer at the last for a 13-under par total of 267.

The first tournament to allow fans since the PGA Tour resumed in June, a total of 2,000 spectators were allowed each day, with face mask requirements and social distancing precautions in place.

The victory gives Ortiz a spot in next year’s Masters, although not in the final major at Augusta National of the pandemic-reshuffled season.