Through 29 tournaments, parts of three seasons, Cleeks GC had never hoisted either a team or individual trophy on the LIV tour.
They finally broke through on Sunday.
Captain Martin Kaymer’s team ended its lengthy drought by shooting a three-day total of 33 under to claim a two-stroke at the Golf Club of Houston over Smash GC and Fireballs GC.
In LIV Golf’s 30th tournament since its launch, the Cleeks GC finally got to pop the champagne bottles on the podium.
“This is why we signed up for LIV, to play for the team,” said Kaymer, a two-time major winner. “The individual is great, but to celebrate together and to do that together, this is why we came here, and this is why LIV exists, to have that team competition.”
The individual title went to Torque GC’s Carlos Ortiz, who claimed his maiden individual LIV title. Ortiz shot a final-round 67 to reach 15 under, one stroke clear of Cleeks’ Adrian Meronk.
Houston-area resident Patrick Reed (4Aces GC) tied for third with David Puig (Fireballs GC) at 13 under.
For Ortiz, it marks his second pro win in Houston, as he won the PGA Tour’s Houston Open on a different course in 2020.
“I love playing here,” Ortiz said. “Obviously Texas treats me well. It’s my adopted home state. I’m just happy to get it done again in Houston.”
Meronk shot a final-round 68 for his best result since joining LIV Golf in the offseason. While disappointed not to win the individual title, he was happy to be part of the Cleeks’ first team celebration.
“That’s what’s cool about LIV, to have three other guys with you on the team,” Meronk said. “Even if you don’t win or you don’t perform as you want individually, you still have that team standings.”
LIV Golf Media’s press release was used to compile this report.