Morikawa credits North Berwick trip after sparkling 64
American Collin Morikawa admitted his sparkling second-day 64 at Royal St George’s had been ‘Made in Scotland’ after storming into contention in the 149th Open in Kent.
The 24-year-old Californian signed for seven birdies in his sensational effort, which moved him to nine-under at the halfway stage at the Sandwich venue, two shots behind leader Louis Oosthuizen.
It was the second time that Morikawa had carded a 64 in a major, having also posted that number when winning the US PGA Championship in San Francisco last year.
This effort came on his Open debut and the Californian attributed his work overall on the opening two days to playing in last week’s abrdn Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian.
Morikawa opened with rounds of 70 and 67 at the Scottish Open before having to settle for closing efforts of 71 and 73 to finish joint-71st - his worst effort as a professional over four rounds.
“I wouldn't be here through
these two rounds if I hadn't played last week at Scottish,” he said.
“I've played in firm conditions. I can think of places I've played in tighter, drier conditions, but just having fescue fairways and the ball sitting a little different was huge to see last week.”
Morikawa was five-over after six holes in the final round on Scotland’s Golf Coast last Sunday before finishing with four birdies in the last five holes.
He still ended up 15 shots behind the winner, Australian Min Woo Lee, but the outing allowed him to make some big equipment decisions for this week’s assignment.
“Last week I wanted to win, but I came out of it learning a lot more and, thankfully, it helped for this week,” he added. “I changed my irons, my 9 through 7-iron, that I normally have blades in. I changed to the Taylormade MCS strictly because I couldn't find the centre of the face. I was sitting these iron shots last week that I just normally don't and my swing felt good, but it was a huge learning opportunity.”