Passing the Torch?
We had to wait a little for the first golf major of the decade but it was worth it. Collin Morikawa shot 65-64 on the weekend (the lowest ever at a PGA Championship), and capped it off in style with a chip in birdie at 14 and a career eagle on 16 to break out of the pack and win the 2020 PGA Championship at -13.
At times on the front nine and back nine Sunday, 7 men were tied for the lead with many others a stroke or two behind, but Morikawa’s fireworks created a melodramatic finish. The overnight leader, Dustin Johnson couldn’t make any putts or find any fairways and grinded out a 68 to finish 2 back. Paul Casey also finished 2 back. He has now played 64 Majors without a win and without a highlight. His playing partner and bro shit starter, Brooks Koepka, played his worst major round in 4 years to finish t29th with a 74. Mr Protein, Bryson Dechambeau flirted around the lead, but bogied 8, 9, and pared the par 5 10th after having a 8-iron in and finished 3 back. Tony Finau, who never wins, didn’t win but played stellar golf to finish 3 back. Jason Day also made a back nine charge, but his neutral play on Saturday left him 3 behind as well. Tony Romo lookalike, Scottie Scheffler, played in the final group and wasn’t ready to handle Major Sundays (even without fans) and also finished 3 back.
On a course that favored bombers, Morikawa’s precision led him to victory as he finished first in proximity to the hole. More incredibly, it was just Morikawa’s 29th PGA Start. He now has 3 wins and a Major.
Another man also won 3 times and a major in his first 29 PGA starts - Tiger Woods. The 2020 PGA Championship may end up being a torch passing moment from Tiger to Morikawa and his fellow youths. Matt Wolff, just 21 and in his FIRST major, set the clubhouse lead at -10 en route to t4th. Cameron Champ, in his THIRD major, had the lead at one point before faltering to a t10th while grouped with Morikawa. Viktor Hovland, just 23 and in his THIRD major, plotted around to a t33rd besting Tiger & Phil. Six more Golf Majors are to be held over the next 343 days.
Most of these guys, including Morikawa, haven’t even played Augusta. After the 97 Masters, Tiger/Vijay/Ernie/Phil took down the lions share of the majors. Will the 2020 PGA be just the beginning for Morikawa and the gang or will Tiger/Phil and the rest of the tour veterans get some more time in the sun?