Carlos Ortiz enjoying MEXICAN VIBES as he challenges at World Wide Tech Champs

Carlos Ortiz is enjoying the "vibes" of Mexican culture this week at El Camaleon Golf Club and this shows in his challenge to win the World Wide Technology Championship.

Ortiz shot a solid 4-under-par 67 on Saturday at Mayakoba to reach 14-under-par for the tournament. He is five shots behind impressive leader Viktor Hovland. 

The 30-year-old has had a mediocre start to the 2021-2022 PGA Tour season. His best finish so far is tied 25th at the CJ Cup and he withdrew from the ZOZO Championship with a shoulder injury.

But this week in Mexico has been different and Ortiz has a great chance to become the first Mexican to win their home tournament on the PGA Tour.

RELATED: VIKTOR HOVLAND "COULD'VE SHOT A 59" IN THIRD ROUND OF WORLD WIDE TECH CHAMPS

"Just the vibe that Mexican culture has that as soon as you walk in the hotel or at the airport, the golf course, you just feel this vibe from everyone that makes me have a good week, I guess," said Ortiz earlier this week.

"I really feed off that and I really enjoy being here - you have to stay patient and play the best you can. I think I’ve done that great this week."

Ortiz came second at this event in 2019 just one shot behind Brendan Todd. This was one of his first close attempts to win on the PGA Tour until his breakthrough moment came in 2021.

The man from Guadalajara won the Vivint Houston Open by two strokes ahead of Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama.

RELATED: JUSTIN THOMAS HAILS NEW CADDIE BONES MACKAY FOR THIS GESTURE OF DEDICATION

This was the highlight of Ortiz's 2021 season. He reached the BMW Championship in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and achieved three top-10 finishes in 28 events. 

He will have to find five shots on Hovland later today at Mayakoba. Hovland is chasing his own piece of history in becoming the first player to successfully defend his title from this tournament last season.

NEXT PAGE: BRYSON DECHAMBEAU TESTS COBRA'S NEW 3D PRINTED PROTOTYPE IRONS