[The Open] 24-Year-Old Morikawa "Already 2 Major Wins~"... Spieth in 2nd Place (Comprehensive Report 2)

149th The Open Final Day '4-Under Par Perfect', Three-Day Leader Oosthuizen Stumbles with 1-Over Par, Tied for 3rd Place

Collin Morikawa is cheering as his victory is confirmed on the final day of the 149th Open. Sandwich, England=Getty Images/Multivitz Photo by Multivitz

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] 24-year-old Collin Morikawa (USA) has succeeded in capturing his second major title.

This time, it was the 149th Open Championship (total prize money $11.5 million), the oldest major in the global golf world. On the final day, held at Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, England (par 70, 7,189 yards), he added 4 under par to secure a 2-stroke victory (15 under par 265). This marks his second win of the 2021 season following the World Golf Championships (WGC) Workday Championship in March, his fifth PGA Tour victory overall, and earned him a winner's prize of $2.07 million (23.62 billion KRW).

Morikawa is a next-generation world star who was ranked number one in the world amateur rankings in 2018. After turning professional in 2019, he immediately claimed his first victory at the Barracuda Championship in July. His consistency was notable with 22 consecutive cuts made through June 2020 at the RBC Heritage, and in July, he defeated Justin Thomas (USA) in a playoff at the Workday Charity Open, drawing further spotlight. In August, he finally joined the ranks of major champions by winning the PGA Championship.

Collin Morikawa is giving a thrilling kiss to the Claret Jug right after winning the 149th Open. Sandwich, England=Getty Images/Multibits

This year, he again demonstrated his presence with a WGC series win. It is interesting that Morikawa won both the PGA Championship and this Open Championship on his first appearances. Starting the day in second place by one stroke, he quickly took control with three consecutive birdies from holes 7 to 9. Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), who had dominated the leaderboard for three days, faltered with a 2-over-par round, leaving no significant challengers. Morikawa sealed the victory with a birdie on the 15th hole (par 5). Above all, his 'stingy putting' averaging 1.56 putts per hole was a powerful factor.

Morikawa took a 'links course mock test' at last week's Scottish Open and, although he finished tied for 71st, he quickly learned the strategy needed. "It was the first time experiencing these course conditions, but I figured out everything I needed," he said. "Since turning pro, I have never doubted my power." He identified where iron tee shots were necessary and adjusted the weight of his putter heavier before this tournament. He has also emerged as a strong gold medal contender for the Tokyo Olympics starting on July 29.

Spieth finished second (13 under par 267), while Oosthuizen ultimately slipped to a tie for third (11 under par 269) with a 1-over-par round. After finishing runner-up consecutively at the PGA Championship in May and the US Open in June, his 'wire-to-wire' victory slipped away this time. US Open champion Jon Rahm (Spain) halted his bid for back-to-back major wins at a tie for third. Brooks Koepka posted a daily best 5 under par to finish tied for sixth (8 under par 272), and world number one Dustin Johnson (both USA) tied for eighth (7 under par 273). An Byeong-hun (30, CJ Logistics) finished tied for 26th (3 under par 277).

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