Rookies Wolff, Morikawa seek first tour win
BLAINE, Minn. — Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa grew up about 30 minutes apart in California and golfed against each other in high school.
That was only a few years ago.
Sunday’s competition could result in a much bigger reward.
The first-month professionals are in prime positions for one to get his first career win at a first-time event.
Wolff shot a 9-under 62 Saturday to share the lead with Morikawa and Bryson DeChambeau at 15 under after three rounds of the inaugural 3M Open.
Morikawa shot a 7-under 64 at the TPC Twin Cities; DeChambeau a 1-under 70.
Seeking his first tour win in 31 tour starts, Wyndham Clark shot a 64 and was tied with Adam Hadwin (69) one shot back.
Wolff, 20, who won the NCAA individual title on Memorial Day, is playing in his third event since turning professional, Morikawa, 22, his fourth. They’re the final pairing Sunday.
“It’s on a lot bigger stage, but our games played very well throughout the spring,” said Morikawa, named the Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Year in May. “We’re going to have to control our nerves, remember who we are, what brought us out here.”
“These guys are really good, and I know I’m really good, so it’s going to be fun,” Wolff said.
A bomber off the tee, Wolff is averaging 306.5 yards through three rounds with his herkyjerky swing. A change in philosophy is allowing that length to be more of an asset.
“The last couple weeks I think I’ve been a little too strategic. I got together this week with my team and I said, ‘You know what, I’m just going to rip driver and just send it.’ That’s kind of what I’ve been doing, and it’s been working out,” he said.