New Straits Times

Morikawa wants more after British Open title

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SANDWICH (UNITED KINGDOM): Collin Morikawa’s ambition has no limits after the 24-year-old sealed his second major with a flawless display on Sunday to win the British Open on debut.

The American finished on 15 under par to hold off compatriot Jordan Spieth as a crowd of 32,000 spectators at Royal St. George’s were treated to a titanic battle for the Claret Jug.

Those in attendance may look back on Morikawa’s performanc­e as a landmark moment for the World No 4, who now has a pair of major titles to his credit in just over two years as a profession­al.

“I’ve had belief in myself since turning pro that I can do it,” said Morikawa.

“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.”

Morikawa is the first male golfer to win two majors in his first eight appearance­s since 1934 after winning the 2020 US PGA Championsh­ip and he also finished in the top-10 at this year’s US PGA and US Open.

“I just want more. When you’re in these moments and you truly love what you do, and I love playing golf and competing against these guys, these are the best moments ever because the nerves push you to just be a better person,” said Morikawa, who will now look to win an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

Spieth did everything he could to test Morikawa’s mettle as the 2017 British Open champion played the final 12 holes in six under par, at one point cutting his rival’s lead to a single stroke.

But where others may have felt the heat in sweltering conditions as temperatur­es topped 30 degrees celsius on England’s southeast coast, Morikawa coolly completed a bogey-free 66 to finish four under for the day.

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