Collin Morikawa, a former student-athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, has made headlines in the golf world by winning his first major at the 2020 PGA Championship. The 23-year-old golfer, who turned pro just over a year ago, has shown incredible skill and determination on the course, and his recent victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a testament to his hard work and talent.
Morikawa’s journey to the top of the golf world began at Cal, where he played on the men’s golf team from 2015 to 2019. During his time at the university, he was a standout player, earning All-American honors and leading the team to a conference championship in 2018. His success at the collegiate level caught the attention of many, and it was clear that he had a bright future ahead of him in the world of professional golf.
After graduating from Cal, Morikawa turned pro in June 2019 and quickly made a name for himself on the PGA Tour. In just his sixth start as a professional, he finished second at the 2019 3M Open, and followed it up with another second-place finish at the 2019 Barracuda Championship. His consistent play and impressive performances caught the eye of many golf fans and experts, and it was clear that he was a rising star in the sport.
However, despite his early success, Morikawa had yet to secure a victory on the PGA Tour. That all changed at the 2020 PGA Championship, where he put on a masterful performance to claim his first major title. Morikawa’s win was even more impressive considering it was his first appearance at the tournament and he had to battle against some of the best players in the world, including two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka.
Morikawa’s victory at the PGA Championship was a historic one, as he became just the fourth player in history to win the tournament in his debut. He also joined an elite group of golfers, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, who have won a major before the age of 24. His composure and skill on the course were on full display, as he made clutch shots and putts to secure the win.
But Morikawa’s success didn’t stop there. Just a few weeks after his major win, he snapped a 28-month victory drought at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This time, he had to battle against the challenging weather conditions and a strong field of competitors, but he once again showed his resilience and determination to come out on top. With this win, Morikawa became the first player since Tiger Woods to win a major and a regular PGA Tour event before the age of 24.
Morikawa’s recent victories have solidified his place among the top players in the world. His impressive performances have also earned him a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, a dream come true for the young golfer. He has proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level and has become a role model for aspiring golfers around the world.
But Morikawa’s success on the golf course is not the only thing that makes him stand out. He is also known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, which has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike. He credits his time at Cal for shaping him into the person he is today, and he continues to give back to the university by supporting the golf program and mentoring current student-athletes.
In just over a year, Collin Morikawa has gone from a promising college golfer to a major champion and a rising star on the PGA Tour. His journey is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in himself. As he continues to make his mark in the world of golf, one thing is for sure – Collin Morikawa is a name that we will be hearing for many years to come.
