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Golf

Golf's next superstar? | Brilliant Collin Morikawa clinches US PGA

An impressive final round of 64 saw American Collin Morikawa become US PGA champion late last nig...



Golf's next superstar? | Brill...
Golf

Golf's next superstar? | Brilliant Collin Morikawa clinches US PGA

An impressive final round of 64 saw American Collin Morikawa become US PGA champion late last night, as he held off Dustin Johnson and Paul Casey by two shots.

The 23-year-old was playing in only his second major, while his performances both before and after golf's lockdown hinted at a serious emerging talent.

Speaking on OTB AM this morning, Joe Molloy said the tension on the back nine at TPC Harding Park made for a thrilling finale to the first major of 2020.

"We got to a point around the back nine where there were five or six players tied for the lead, and then another two, three, four within a shot - and all quality.

"Every putt on the green felt like it was for a tie of the lead or to take the outright lead, or to put yourself massively into contention. So there was a degree of chaos for about two hours!

"Someone was going to emerge... it was Morikawa, and just in amazing fashion. The thing about Morikawa, he's a sensation and has been for a while.

"Even before this tournament, Morikawa had more wins than missed cuts... he turned pro last year, he's 23 years of age. He won in his first year on tour, he was often there or thereabouts.

"He was just really impressive, really solid. He's an unbelievably mature 23-year-old. He's not jaw-dropping, Morikawa doesn't hit a shot and you go 'Oh my god, look at this', he is just precision.

"His irons are brilliant, he has a dodgy putt in him might be the concern, takes a long time over certain putts."

The California native says he only wishes spectators were allowed to see him lift his first major in-person.

"This is the one time I really wish there were crowds right there. I heard some claps. Obviously not a ton. But the claps could mean I'm on the green and I've got 50 feet. Walking up I knew it was right above the tier, and you had to make it. I had to make that putt. Two strokes is a lot different than one stroke coming down 18.

"I've believed in myself since day one. I haven't let up from that. When I woke up today, I was like, this is meant to be. This is where I feel very comfortable. This is where I want to be, and I'm not scared from it.

"I think if I was scared from it, the last few holes would have been a little different.”

The comparisons to the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have already begun - something Morikawa is ignoring for now.

"It's great company. It's been crazy, because this entire start of my professional career, I see all the things comparing to Tiger … but Tiger is on a completely different level. I think we all know that.

"But any time you're in the conversation of the greats, Jack, Rory, Tiger, no matter who it is, if you're in that conversation, you're doing something well."

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Collin Morikawa Golf PGA Rory McIlroy Tiger Woods US PGA