Collin Morikawa, a 24-year-old professional golfer and former student-athlete at the University of California, made history on Sunday, August 9th, as he won his first major championship at the 2020 PGA Championship. And it was not just any major, but one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, held at the iconic TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
Morikawa’s victory was a testament to his talent, determination, and hard work. It was also a moment of redemption, as he snapped a 28-month victory drought at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year. Morikawa’s journey to the top has been nothing short of impressive, and his win at the PGA Championship has solidified his place amongst the best golfers in the world.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Morikawa was introduced to golf at a young age by his father, who used to take him to the driving range. It was evident from a young age that Morikawa had a natural talent for the sport, and he quickly fell in love with it. He honed his skills at La Cañada High School, where he was a standout player, and then went on to play collegiate golf at the University of California, Berkeley.
During his time at Cal, Morikawa was a two-time All-American and helped lead the Golden Bears to the NCAA Championship in 2018. He also won the prestigious Haskins Award, given to the top collegiate golfer in the country. Morikawa’s success at the collegiate level was a sign of things to come, and he turned professional in 2019.
Morikawa’s professional career got off to a promising start, with multiple top-10 finishes in his rookie year. However, it wasn’t until the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February 2020 that he finally broke through and claimed his first victory on the PGA Tour. It was a moment of pure joy for Morikawa, who had been working tirelessly towards this moment.
But his biggest achievement was yet to come. At the 2020 PGA Championship, Morikawa showed nerves of steel as he battled it out with some of the biggest names in golf, including two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka. With a final-round 64, Morikawa finished at 13-under par, two shots clear of his nearest competitor, to claim the Wanamaker Trophy and etch his name in the history books.
Morikawa’s victory was not just impressive because it was his first major championship, but also because of the way he did it. His final round included a jaw-dropping eagle on the par-4 16th hole, where he drove the green and made a 7-foot putt. It was a shot that will be remembered for years to come and showcased Morikawa’s incredible talent and composure under pressure.
In his post-round interview, Morikawa credited his win to his mental game, saying, “I think that’s what separates a lot of the guys out here. Everyone hits it great, everyone putts it great. It’s just how can you handle the moment, and how can you keep going and keep making putts.”
Morikawa’s victory at the PGA Championship has catapulted him into the spotlight, and he is now being hailed as the future of golf. With his win, he became the third-youngest player in history to win the PGA Championship, behind only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. He also rose to number five in the world rankings, making him the highest-ranked golfer under the age of 25.
Morikawa’s success has also brought attention to the University of California, Berkeley, and their golf program. His former coach, Walter Chun, spoke highly of Morikawa’s work ethic and character, saying, “He’s just a great person. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. He’s got a great work ethic. He’s just a great role model for all of us.”
Morikawa’s win has not only inspired young golfers but also serves as a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to great success. His journey from a young boy hitting balls at the driving range to a major championship winner is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
As Morikawa continues to make waves in the golf world, his alma mater and
