Workday Championship Final Day 3-Under Par '3-Stroke Victory', Kepka 2nd, Johnson's "6-Over Par Rollercoaster Play"
Collin Morikawa is cheering at the moment his victory is confirmed on the 18th hole of the final day of the Workday Championship. Bradenton, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "This time, taking over the WGC series."
World No. 6 Collin Morikawa (USA) added 3 under par on the final day of the World Golf Championships (WGC) Series Workday Championship (total prize money $10.5 million) held on the 1st (Korean time) at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida (par 72, 7,474 yards), achieving a commanding 3-stroke victory (18 under par 270). This marks his 4th PGA Tour win in just 7 months since becoming a major champion at the PGA Championship last August. The winner's prize money was an impressive $1.82 million (20.5 billion KRW), befitting a top-tier match.
Morikawa, who was ranked No. 1 in the world amateur rankings in 2018, is considered the 'next-generation No. 1.' After turning professional in 2019, he immediately won the Barracuda Championship in July. He also succeeded in making the cut in 22 consecutive tournaments up to the RBC Heritage in June last year. Although he fell short of Tiger Woods' (USA) record of 25 consecutive tournaments with cuts made due to missing the cut at the Travelers Championship, he caused a stir by defeating Justin Thomas (USA) in a playoff at the Workday Charity Open in July.
In this tournament, Morikawa built momentum by shooting 8 under par on the second day, added 5 under par on the third day to take a 2-stroke lead, and maintained his lead with 4 birdies and 1 bogey on the final day. His average of 1.55 putts per hole over 4 rounds showcased his exceptional putting. It is interesting that Morikawa won both Workday title sponsor events, including the newly established Workday Charity Open last year. Both the challenging courses, Muirfield and Concession, share the commonality of being designed by Jack Nicklaus (USA).
Brooks Koepka (USA), the 'Phoenix Open champion,' stopped his bid for a second win at a tie for 2nd place (15 under par 273). Although he led after the second round, he faltered with consecutive 2 under par rounds in the third and fourth rounds. Viktor Hovland (Norway) and Billy Horschel (USA) joined the group tied for 2nd place, while Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) was tied for 6th (12 under par 276), and defending champion Patrick Reed (USA) remained tied for 9th (11 under par 277).
'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) finished tied for 22nd (6 under par 282), and Im Sung-jae (23, CJ Logistics) exchanged 4 birdies for 4 bogeys, finishing tied for 28th (5 under par 283). The 'WGC Slammer' Dustin Johnson (USA) became an off-course topic with a 6-over-par 'rollercoaster play.' His iron shot green hit rate dropped sharply to 55.56%, resulting in 5 birdies, 7 bogeys, and 2 double bogeys, damaging his reputation.
Collin Morikawa is holding the trophy and posing for a commemorative photo right after winning the Workday Championship. Bradenton, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits
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