It does not take long when talking about golf today to mention Collin Morikawa. The 23-year-old plays with sore iron, a cool head and is incredibly hardworking – he is a header in the PGA Tour. That cannot be denied though, what mark out Woods even more is the fact that he quickly ascended and tasted the fruits of being a major champion, something that numerous players will strive to achieve in their whole lifetime. Now let’s go into the details of the way in which Collin Morikawa achieved all this in such record breaking fashion.
From College Star to Professional Standout
Before turning professional, Collin Morikawa was already on the right path to becoming a major champion. Morikawa was born on February 6, 1997, in Los Angeles California; from young age he showcased prowess in golf. He was a student at UC Berkeley and became a star for the school’s football team, the California Golden Bears. He won five individual tournament titles in his collegiate career and was all first team-AA four consecutive years, as such, he proved to be consistent.
His college performance paved way for his professional golfing career starting from 2019. Ever since he signed for PGA Tour, Morikawa was a mature and accurate player, who immediately realized that he could become one of the most talented young players in the world.
A Stunning Start to His PGA Tour Career
The Breakthrough Moment: 2020 PGA Championship
The career-defining moment for Collin Morikawa was his triumph at the Workday Charity Open, and it occurred barely a month after the previous one. Just before his 24th birthday, Morikawa won the 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco – his first major. That this kind of win can come from an 18 years old made this victory even more incredible, not to mention that it was only his second start in a major tournament.
The performance given by Morikawa at the recent PGA Championship was one for the books. In the final round, there were a lot of players among the leaders, but he moved away from the others on the back nine. This is potentially the single greatest shot the lad has fired at any tournament, or potentially, his entire career. Morikawa went with his driver to hit it 294 yards in a par-4 of the last, and it was a beautiful shot. His ball came to rest, 7 feet from the hole and he duly made the eagle putt. This clinched it and his shot will go down as one of the biggest climaxes seen in the major championships.
Morikawa’s final round of 64 equaled the low final round score by a PGA Championship winner and the calm demeanor of the youngster well presented him as a worthy winner of the title. With the accomplishment, he became only the second player of his generation, alongside Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and the only one besides Jack Nicklaus to win PGA Championship before his 24 years.
The Keys to Collin Morikawa’s Success
Several factors have contributed to Collin Morikawa’s rapid rise to becoming a major champion:
Exceptional Ball-Striking
In terms of iron play Morikawa is considered by many to be the best on the PGA Tour. Skillful in his approach shots means that he has a sure way of making a birdie and this puts him in better stead.
Calm Under Pressure
Morikawa plays major championships as tactically as technically. He has always been composed when shooting a picture for a shot, which has helped him during moments such as the PGA Championship.
Work Ethic and Preparation
His seriousness was not lost on the gathered media as Morikawa is noted to carry out his preparation thoroughly. When it comes to his studying of the course or fine-tuning of his golf swing, he has turned over every stone.
Short-Game Improvement
Morikawa has always possessed an outstanding ball striking including iron play but he has spent time to develop his putting and chipping into strength.
Continuing the Legacy
Therefore, it was no surprise when Morikawa didn’t take time to congratulate himself after winning the PGA Championship. He won the 2021 Open Championship at Royal St. George’s thus making him the first person to win two different major championships in his or her first attempt at the event. By doing so his image was further solidified as being one of the great golfers alongside its proving his capability of play on the biggest stages of them all.
Morikawa’s meteoric rise to major champion status is evident resilience, hard-working and maturity. That is why, during the further competition, there is no doubt that his story has not yet begun. Golf lovers are therefore impatiently waiting to find out what the future has instored for this extraordinary young talent.