Collin Morikawa ready for US Open challenge at ‘amazing’ Winged Foot
A US Open at famed Winged Foot holds few fears for Collin Morikawa and golf’s newest major champion is hungry for more major championship glory.
Playing in just his second major and 28th tournament since turning professional in June last year, Morikawa won the US PGA Championship last month after a brilliant final round of 64 at Harding Park in San Francisco.
The 23-year-old missed the cut in his next start but finished 20th at the tough Olympia Fields in the BMW Championship and is relishing another testing examination at Winged Foot this week.
The last time the course hosted the US Open in 2006, Geoff Ogilvy won with a score of five over par, while Hale Irwin was seven over in winning the so-called ‘Massacre at Winged Foot’ in 1974.
“What a course,” Morikawa said after playing nine holes in practice. “It is tough. The first few holes definitely opened my eyes. But it’s playable.
“Obviously you’ve just got to hit really good shots. It’s going to test every part of your game this week. Overall, Winged Foot is amazing.
“I threw some balls in (the rough) just walking down the fairways. There’s lies that you know you’re just going to have to wedge it out, and that’s why I say you’ve got to take your medicine.
How tough is Winged Foot? The numbers tell the story!
Check out these Course Insights in collaboration with @DeloitteUS. pic.twitter.com/5TIO4lrSyq
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) September 14, 2020
“You’re going to hear that all week. Guys that are going to play well are going to take their medicine and scramble really well. That’s just the way this course is going to play out.”
Asked if being a major champion would alter his approach going forward, Morikawa added: “I don’t think I approach it any different. I think I do a really good job Monday through Wednesday of figuring out a course, figuring out what I need to do, so I’m doing the same thing.
“But I think walking here as a major champion, you have a sense of knowing how to get things done. Yes, I’ve only done it once, but I’ve done it. You just want more. You get that little taste of what it’s like, and you know why guys mark in their calendars the major championships for the year.
“I’m not waking up every day realising, yeah, I’m a major champion. I’m realising we’re at the US Open, let’s go win another tournament.”
Latest
-
NewsRichard Bland holds nerve to land first European Tour title at 478th attempt
The 48-year-old completed a dramatic victory at the Betfred British Masters.
-
NewsRichard Bland claims maiden European Tour title at 478th attempt at The Belfry
Bland becomes the oldest first-time winner in European Tour history.
-
NewsCurtis Strange backs Rory McIlroy to thrive off fans at US PGA Championship
The Northern Irishman recently claimed his first win for 18 months.
-
NewsEddie Pepperell has the edge as he targets another British Masters success
A birdie putt on the 18th hole at The Belfry gives the home hope a one-shot lead.
-
NewsFormer Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari claims clubhouse lead at British Masters
Molinari fired nine birdies and a solitary bogey in a third round of 64 at The Belfry.
-
NewsUS PGA Championship hopefuls may need to go the distance in more ways than one
Kiawah Island will play to a maximum of 7,876 yards.
-
NewsRobert MacIntyre in three-way tie for British Masters lead
The 24-year-old sits alongside fellow Scot Calum Hill and English veteran Richard Bland on seven under par.
-
NewsRichard Bland eyeing maiden European Tour title at 478th attempt
The 48-year-old leads the British Masters by one shot at the halfway stage.
-
NewsMatthias Schwab shrugs off US PGA snub to lead Betfred British Masters
Tournament host Danny Willett is on three under following a 69.
-
NewsMatthias Schwab brushes off US PGA setback to make flying start at The Belfry
The Austrian is set to miss the US PGA Championship.