Morikawa, Asian American, joins Hideki Matsuyama of Japan as the first time two Asian men won a professional major championship in the same year.
By Herschel Caldwell
After winning the oldest of golf’s championships, Morikawa says he is looking forward to having an opportunity to win more majors in the future. His ball-striking and a steady putter were unmatchable keys to his victory at the 149th Open Championship.
Morikawa’s 15 under par overall was good enough for a two-stroke win over Jordan Spieth (13 under) with a final round 66. Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen tied for third at 11 under.
Tiger’s accident and recovery naturally prevented him from playing at this year’s Open. Harold Varner III does not consider himself a Tiger Woods “stand-in” for any golf event. His career as a PGA Professional has provided sufficient credentials to qualify on his own and a turn of fate due to the Covid-19 pandemic; Contact tracing for the Coronavirus led to Hideki Matsuyama withdrawing and opening a spot for Varner, who was on top of the alternate’s list. Varner played well, but well enough to make the cut. Not the end of the world; the experience solidifies a better outcome next year.
This year belongs to Collin Morikawa, and at storied Royal St. George; steady ball-striking won out. When Collin Morikawa had an approach from the fairway, you knew it would end up hole-high. He was also outstanding on the greens, not three-putting once all week. His lengthy birdie putt on 14 and ice-cold par save on 15 were the defining moments of his back nine on Sunday; his general unflappability was most impressive. Morikawa never seemed cowed by the moment, even though this was his Open debut. He’s now a two-time major champion for the record book.
