(Kapalua) The American Collin Morikawa prints an increasingly frank domination at the Tournament of Champions, the first meeting of the North American PGA circuit at the start of the year, on Saturday, with now six strokes ahead of three rivals , in Kapalua on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
On the strength of a successful eagle at No. 5 and a whirlwind finish with four of his six birdies on the last five holes, the 11e world player surrendered a card of 65 (-8) to total -24, after three rounds.
“It was still quite simple today,” said Morikawa. “Over the past three days, the ball has generally gone where I was aiming.”
Suffice to say that the double Grand Slam winner (PGA Championship in 2020 and British Open in 2021) imposes a very difficult pace to follow for his competitors, who have not been undeserved, like the world no. Scottie Scheffler, also author of an eagle on the fifth hole and three birdies.
Perhaps failing to impose himself, the American can dislodge world number one Rory McIlroy, if he ends up in the top 3 of this test.
At his side, the second place is jointly occupied by the English Matt Fitzpatrick, winner of the last Open of the United States, and JJ Spaun, the most modestly ranked of the lot (88e).