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How Collin Morikawa Won The Open in 2021

By: | Fri 08 Jul 2022


AMERICAN Collin Morikawa shot a scintillating bogey-free final round to clinch the Claret Jug on his Open Championship debut as returning fans soaked up the sun at Royal St George's.

He took the lead with three birdies to finish the front nine and held off Jordan Spieth to win by two strokes on the Kent coast.

The 24-year-old, who won his first major on his US PGA Championship debut in 2020, became the first Open debutant to win since Ben Curtis did so at this course in 2003. But while Curtis’ victory was a huge shock, Morikawa was already a major winner.

"This is one of the best moments of my life," he said. "Look at all these fans. To see some of the best crowds I have ever seen, I'm looking forward to making my trip every year."

Morikawa's four-under 66 saw him win on 15 under, with 2017 champion Spieth also recording a final-day 66 to finish second.

US Open champion Jon Rahm birdied four of his last six holes to card a 66 and finish joint third on 11 under with overnight leader Louis Oosthuizen, who closed with a 71.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre was the top British player in a tie for eighth after a final-day 67 saw him finish at seven under par, two ahead of England's Paul Casey at five under.

Up to 32,000 spectators flooded through the gates on the final and were treated to a spectacular final round as the only players to make the cut in all four of last year's men's majors finished as the top four in Sandwich.

It was a fitting finale at Royal St George's as the venue belatedly got to hold the 149th edition of golf's oldest major after the 2020 championship was cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.

Rain before the tournament thickened up the rough and provided receptive fairways and forgiving greens, but that meant once the wind dropped players were able to shoot low scores on the Friday before organisers responded with tricky pin positions for the weekend.

However, it was Oosthuizen who held on to a one-stroke lead heading into the final round, looking to record a wire-to-wire victory and win his second Open title.

Morikawa admitted he had little experience of links golf - and recorded his worst result as a professional when finishing joint 71st at the previous week's Scottish Open - so the benign conditions perhaps suited the Californian, who is regarded as of one of the game's finest iron players.

Amid the searing heat on Sunday, the world number four also showed he had the temperament to add further to his major tally.

As three successive birdies dropped for Morikawa he suddenly found himself taking a four-stroke lead as he hit the turn, with Oosthuizen stuttering in the final pairing alongside him.

But the first flicker of emotion from the American came at the 10th when he made a superb up-and-down from the back of the green to save par, fist-pumping in celebration.

By this point the Spieth charge was alive but Morikawa birdied 14 to keep his compatriot at arm's length and, with roars going off further up the course, saved par again at 15.

From there it was a case of keeping his nerve as the anticipation grew among the excited fans, but that was no trouble for Morikawa who took a two-shot lead down the last and strode on the 18th green to huge applause, moments away from becoming the first man to win on his Open debut in 18 years.

He two-putted for a final par to see out the victory and then waved and clapped the fans packing out the 18th grandstand in fittingly composed fashion.

"I tell everyone I am not the biggest history guy but I want to add myself to history and make memories for myself," said Morikawa, admitting he would "have a few drinks" from the Claret Jug.

"Everything about this week was very special, to cap it on my caddie's birthday, even more special.I've had belief in myself since turning pro that I can do it. When it's coming to these tournaments, courses and styles that I have never played, I do my homework Monday to Wednesday to know what I need to do."


The oldest & most prestigious major, a trip to The Open is a must for every golf fan. From tickets and transfers to hospitality & golf, Golfbreaks.com can build the perfect package to help you experience The Open in style.


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