Late tips help Morikawa win World Golf title
PGA champion Collin Morikawa shook off an early mistake and played a steady hand on a Concession golf course known for calamity, closing with a 3-under 69 for a three-shot victory in the Workday Championship in Bradenton, Fla.
Morikawa picked up a few short-game tips from major champions – Mark O'Meara on his putting, Concession member Paul Azinger on the chipping – and he says it carried him to another big win.
And there was a tribute to Tiger Woods, his golf idol growing up.
“We don't say ‘Thank you' enough,” Morikawa said, referring to how much Woods has raised the profile and prize money in golf.
Morikawa won by three over Brooks Koepka (70), Viktor Hovland (67) and Billy
Horschel (70).
He finished at 18-under 270 and became the 24th player to win a major and a World Golf Championship title since this series began in 1999.
PGA Champions: Kevin Sutherland chipped in for the only birdie of the final round on No. 16 and had a tap-in for another on the next hole, shooting a 4-under 69 to overtake Mike Weir in the Cologuard Classic on Sunday.
Sutherland tapped in on 17 after putting through the fringe on the par 5 and just missed another birdie on the difficult 18th to close out his second victory in his last three PGA Tour Champions starts and fifth overall. He finished at 15 under, two ahead of Weir, three up on Madison's Steve Stricker and Scott Parel. Sutherland trailed by two to start the day.
Madison's Jerry Kelly finished tied for sixth at 9 under.
PGA: Branden Grace closed eagle-birdie Sunday to win the Puerto Rico Open, an emotional triumph following his father's January death after a month-long fight with the coronavirus in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
The 32-year-old South African player won for the second time on the PGA Tour, closing with a 6-under 66 to finish at 19under 269.
LPGA: Nelly Korda seized control with three birdies through six holes, closed with 12 pars and shot a 3-under 69 at Lake Nona in Orlando to win the Gainbridge LPGA.
Korda won by three strokes over Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko.
Korda, who finished at 16-under 272, began the final round with a one-shot lead over rookie Patty Tavatanakit.
Annika Sorenstam wrapped up her return after more than 12 years of retirement with a par on the ninth hole for a 76, finishing last among the 74 players who made the cut.