Collin Morikawa won his first Major Championship during the 2020 US PGA Championship at TPC Hardin Park. The 23-year-old overcame some big names on the final day in San Francisco to lift the trophy.
Morikawa shot a faultless six-under 64 in his final round to finish two shots clear of the pack, with Paul Casey and Dustin Johnson finishing in a tie for second place.
The US PGA Championship was just the second Major of his career so far. He made his debut at the US Open last year, finishing in a tie for 35th place after the weekend. Morikawa will take a great deal of confidence out of how well he played in California. Former world number one Dustin Johnson led the way going into that final round so to beat some of the biggest names in the sport, in a huge event, is an impressive feat.
Morikawa's next opportunity to double his Major tally will come in the US Open where he is +2000 in the golf betting to prevail at Winged Foot Golf Club. When you break down the young American’s game, there are not many weaknesses. He is powerful off the tee, his short game is equally as good, while he has a temperament which ensures he stays calm and cool on the course. This could be his opportunity to take the US Open.
Consistency on The PGA Tour
Morikawa has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour over the last couple of years. He began his career with 22 consecutive made cuts on the tour. This has only been bettered by Tiger Woods who made the cut in his opening 25 tournaments.
As an amateur Morikawa was part of the United States’ victories in the Arnold Palmer Cup in 2017 and 2018, while he was also in the successful team which lifted the Walker Cup in 2017.
Those who followed Morikawa’s career as an amateur are not surprised, he has been able to continue his success as a professional.
Morikawa Not Afraid to Take Risks on The Course
In golf, players calculate the risk and reward with every shot they attempt to make on the course. This was the case on the 16th hole of that final round at TPC Harding Park. Rather than take a safe approach to his tee-shot, Morikawa was aggressive. He took a driver and hit the ball within seven feet of the hole before holing for an eagle.
Given what was at stake with three holes to play, Morikawa knew that an eagle would put him in the driving seat in the Major Championship so he did not hesitate to gamble.
The shot on the 16th was not the only risk Morikawa took all week. He attacked every pin on the course across the four days and he got his reward.
There will be some tournaments where such an approach will not work for Morikawa. Like many of the young players in the game today though, they play without fear.
It is going to be exciting to see how far Morikawa can go in the sport over the next few years. The early signs suggest it could be to the very top.
