Collin Morikawa, a former Sunnehanna Amateur champion, is once again making headlines at the U.S. Open. Ten years after his Sunnehanna victory, Morikawa navigated the challenging Oakmont Country Club, finishing the second round with a 4-over 74. His two-day total of 4-over 144 secured his spot to play through the weekend, continuing his quest for a first U.S. Open title.
Morikawa shared his strategic approach to major championships, emphasizing the importance of course management. “I’ve played enough majors now where I know what my game plan is and how I must attack this golf course,” he stated. He acknowledged the necessity of accepting par on certain holes while capitalizing on opportunities where possible.
Morikawa's Club Choice for Tough Situations
The brutal rough at Oakmont has been a major talking point of the U.S. Open. Even the world's best golfers have struggled with the thick, dense grass. Morikawa offered some advice for amateur and pro players alike, talking about how to handle difficult lies. One of the tips he gives is not to get greedy when the lie is bad.
Morikawa has had a top 15 finish in his last four U.S. Opens. Morikawa also revealed his favored club for navigating the rough, calling it “like cheating”. While he didn't specify the exact club, his emphasis on using a higher-lofted club, even if it means sacrificing distance, is clear. This allows for a steeper angle of attack and a better chance of making clean contact with the ball, even when it's buried deep in the rough.
At the same time as Morikawa's U.S. Open appearance, the Sunnehanna Amateur was underway in Johnstown, PA, highlighting the continuous cycle of amateur talent striving for professional success. Tyler Watts led the Sunnehanna Amateur after the third round. The Sunnehanna Amateur boasts a prestigious list of alumni, including major champions like Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Justin Leonard.
The article also mentions local players participating in the Sunnehanna Amateur, further connecting the local golf scene with the broader world of professional golf. With his strategic approach and experience, Morikawa aims to contend for the U.S. Open title, while young talents at the Sunnehanna Amateur dream of following in his footsteps.