Collin Morikawa has quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the world of professional golf. Born on February 6, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, Morikawa's journey from amateur to professional golfer is marked by significant achievements and milestones. His early career highlights include winning major championships and setting records that have placed him among the elite in the sport.
From Amateur to Professional
Morikawa's golfing career began to take shape
during his time at the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the Golden Bears. Between 2015 and 2019, he secured five victories, including the 2019 Pac-12 Conference Championship. His amateur success was further highlighted by his participation in the Arnold Palmer Cup, where he contributed to his team's victories twice. In May 2018, Morikawa reached the pinnacle of amateur golf by becoming the top-ranked golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for three weeks.
Transitioning to professional golf in 2019, Morikawa made his debut at the RBC Canadian Open, finishing in 14th place. His performance in subsequent tournaments, such as the 3M Open and John Deere Classic, earned him a spot on the PGA Tour for the 2019-2020 season. Morikawa's first professional victory came at the Barracuda Championship, where he triumphed over Troy Merritt.
Early Professional Success
Morikawa's professional career continued to flourish in 2020. He achieved his second PGA Tour victory at the Workday Charity Open, defeating Justin Thomas in a playoff. This win marked his first non-alternate PGA Tour victory, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. Morikawa's most significant achievement came in August 2020 when he won the PGA Championship, his first major title, in only his second major championship start.
His final round of 64 at the PGA Championship tied the lowest final round score shot by a PGA Champion, a record previously set by Steve Elkington in 1995. At just 23 years old, Morikawa became the third youngest golfer to win the PGA Championship, joining an elite group of golfers who have achieved this feat before turning 24.
Continued Success and Recognition
In 2021, Morikawa continued to build on his success by winning the Open Championship at Royal St George's Golf Club. He finished two strokes ahead of Jordan Spieth, becoming the first player since 2003 to win the Open Championship in his debut. Morikawa's victory at the Open Championship solidified his status as one of the top golfers in the world.
Morikawa's achievements have not only earned him recognition on the PGA Tour but also on the European Tour, where he became the first American to win the Race to Dubai. His consistent performance and ability to win major championships in his debut have made him a rising star in professional golf, with a promising future ahead.
