Newly-crowned Morikawa wants more after British Open triumph

LONDON: Collin Morikawa’s ambition has no limits ater 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 batle for the Claret Jug.

Those ina ten dance may look back on mo rik aw a’ s performance as a landmark moment for the world number four, 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 ater 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 beter person,” said Morikawa, who will now look to win an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

Spieth did everything he could to test Morikawa’s metle as the 2017 British Open champion played the final 12 holes in six under par, at one point cuting 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 south-east coast, Morikawa coolly completed a bogey-free 66 to finish four under for the day.

“I’m glad I look calm because the nerves are definitely up there, but you channel these nerves into excitement and energy,” added Morikawa.

Spieth knows beter than most the demands that come with being a rising star in golf.

The now 27-year-old won back-to-back Masters and US Open titles in 2015, a year in which he finished in the top four in all four majors.

He then triumphed at the 2017 British Open, but that was Spieth’s last major success and he only ended a four-year wait for a PGA victory in April at the Texas Open.

“Clearly, with the shots he’s hit and the puts he’s holed, he’s not afraid of high pressure situations and winning a major championship,” said an admiring Spieth of Morikawa.