In a heart-stopping finish, Dubai's Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) delivered a final round of 68, four under par, totaling 14 under par over 54 holes, securing a close second in the $25 million LIV Golf Houston. Competing in the last group with winner Carlos Ortiz, Meronk notched birdies on holes 11, 12, and 13, setting up a tense battle for the title on the back nine. The score was tied heading into the par-4 15th, where Ortiz's birdie and Meronk's bogey, due to a tee shot mishap and a penalty drop, decided the outcome, with Meronk one stroke behind. The Cleeks GC, starting the final round five shots behind, ignited in the last nine holes. Martin Kaymer birdied five of six, Kalle Samooja three of five, Meronk three in a row, and Richard Bland two consecutively, leading to their inaugural Team event win, two strokes ahead of Smash GC and Fireballs GC. Meronk praised Ortiz, saying, 'He played really great, he really deserved it. I hope I can get him next time.' Reflecting on the team's victory, Meronk added, 'That's what's cool about LIV, to have three other guys with you on the team, and even if you don't win or you don't perform as you want individually, you still have that team standings.' Cleeks GC now ranks seventh in the season-long Team Standings, with Meronk climbing to 12th in the Individual Standings. Anirban Lahiri (Crushers GC) also shot a final round 68, finishing tied sixth at 10 under par. The next LIV Golf event is scheduled in Nashville from June 21st to 24th, 2024.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
Close Finish as Cleeks GC Wins Team Event, Meronk Moves Up in Standings