TEE-RIFIC! YOUNG TALENTS SHINE AS MAJOR GOLF RETURNS…
TWENTY three-year-old Collin Morikawa stunned the golfing world at the weekend by winning the 2020 US PGA Championship in San Francisco.
A tense final round saw six players share the lead at one point, but Collin produced a flawless performance, sinking an eagle putt on the 16th hole to move clear of the competition. Speaking after his victory, he said: “It’s amazing. As a little kid, watching all these professionals, this is always what I’ve wanted to do.”
The American was playing in just his second major tournament, and only turned professional last summer. But he now joins Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in winning the PGA Championship under the age of 24 – and he was not the only youngster to impress at the tournament.
A five-way tie for fourth place included 21-year-old Matthew Wolff and 24-year-old rookie Scottie Scheffler, who were both making their first appearances at the tournament.
Matthew, who also turned professional last year, rose through the field on the final day, finishing on ten under par, while Scottie held on to finish above experienced players such as Justin Rose and Jon Rahm.
“Golf is in a great spot,” said Scottie. “It seems like anyone can win on any given week, so it’s exciting.”
Britain’s Paul Casey finished in joint second place with America’s Dustin Johnson, meaning his long wait for a first major win will continue. But the 43-year-old said that Morikawa was a worthy winner.
“I played wonderful golf, but Collin thoroughly deserves it,” he told the BBC.
“I mean, what a shot he hit on 16, just awesome golf. There’s nothing you can do except tip your cap to that.”