Tensions Rise in Macau as Reed and Ortiz Vie for Top Spot in Final Round
2025 Asian Tour
Seoul, Macau - The atmosphere is electric at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn as Patrick Reed and Carlos Ortiz end the day tied, each aiming for the pinnacle in tomorrow’s final showdown.
Starting strong, Reed, the leader since the inaugural round, carded a solid three-under-par 67. Hot on his heels, Ortiz brought his A-game with a stunning 66 at the challenging Macau Golf and Country Club.
Both Reed and Ortiz now stand at 16-under, three strokes ahead of the pack led by Germany’s Dominic Foos and American Jason Kokrak, who both impressively posted 65s today.
Trailing by five shots, Australia’s Lucas Herbert remains in contention. The stakes are high, as the event offers the top three finishers coveted spots in The Open Championship later this year at Royal Portrush.
Reed appeared unshakeable with a four-shot lead early in the round, but a dramatic three-shot swing at the eighth hole, where he bogeyed and Ortiz scored an eagle, changed the course of the day. Although Reed briefly regained the lead on the 13th, the slick greens proved challenging and he ended up bogeying the 14th and 17th holes.
Reflecting on his performance, Reed admitted, “It was kind of sloppy. My three bogeys came from two three-putts, and a ball that rolled off the green on 14 due to some tough pin positions. But it’s all about making those putts tomorrow.”
Ortiz, too, remains optimistic, focused on replicating his round’s discipline in the finale. “It wasn’t like yesterday’s 61, but I managed well. I need to keep it low tomorrow,” he commented.
With momentum on his side, Foos surged through the leaderboard, remarking, “It was tricky at the start, but my game caught up on the back nine. The greens are unforgiving, and every putt needs to be calculated.”
The tournament, part of a broader series designed to elevate the Asian Tour, continues to draw global attention with a prize pool of US$2 million and a pathway to the prestigious LIV Golf League.
As tensions mount, all eyes will be on Reed and Ortiz as they head into what promises to be a riveting final round in Macau.