Photo credit: Golf.com

The 2020 PGA Championship occurred August 6-9 at TPC Harding Park, but this year it was a little different. There were no in-person attendees at the 2020 PGA Championship. With no fans in sight, Collin Morikawa made the golf tournament even more historical with his final send off to his maiden major title. But who exactly is Collin Morikawa, and how did he make history this past weekend? Learn more about the new golf champ from our golfing experts at our South Florida golf club.  

Who is Collin Morikawa?

Collin Morikawa is the 23-year-old golfer who won the 2020 PGA Championship. In 2019, Morikawa graduated from the University of California-Berkeley with a degree in Business Administration.1 Morikawa is from Los Angeles, California, and turned pro in 2019.1 At only 23 years old, he is truly making history with his golf skills.

Collin Morikawa broke records last Sunday, August 9, when he shot the lowest closing 36-hole score. In fact, he posted the weekend with rounds of 65 and 64 being the lowest. Morikawa’s 129 total is being compared to legends like Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Marc Leishman.2 Morikawa has already been compared to Tiger Woods several times this year with his nearly matched consecutive cuts, which kick-started his professional golf career.2

Winning the PGA Championship at only 23 years old has happened only a handful of times before. Gene Sarazen and Tom Creavy were PGA Tournament winners before they both turned 23.3. However, legends Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy were all winners at the same age as Morikawa.3 Morikawa’s six-under-par 64 in the final round of the golf tournament helped him win the number one spot.

What’s Next for Collin Morikawa?

While the 23-year-old has just made history with his PGA Championship win, this is only the beginning for his career. Collin Morikawa has now qualified for the Tokyo Games in 2021.4 He went from being an alternate on the U.S. Olympic team to now landing a number two spot.4

Collin Morikawa’s career does not stop here, and it’s only the beginning point. The 23-year-old professional golfer will continue playing golf and taking each week as they come. According to Morikawa, “I love golf. I love every part of it. I love being in this position and I love just being able to come out here and play with a bunch of guys that love the sport, too.”5

While Morikawa’s career blossoms, you too can practice your skills with our golf membership deals. For almost 50 years, the golf course at Deer Creek has served the South Florida community and beyond with our state-of-the-art golf course. Brush up on your skills by checking out our golf tips for beginners. Contact us today at 954-429-0006 to book your tee time and experience our championship signature course.

 

Sources

  1. PGA Tour – Collin Morikawa
  2. Golfdigest – PGA Championship 2020: Collin Morikawa breaks major mark shared by Tiger Woods
  3. Sporting News – Collin Morikawa, 23, emulates Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy with first major win
  4. Yahoo Sports – Collin Morikawa jumps into projected Olympic golf field
  5. PGA Tour – Morikawa comes of age at PGA Championship