The American closed with a bogey-free, 4-under 66 and won the British Open in his debut Sunday, becoming the first player to capture two different majors on the first attempt.
His victory 11 months ago on his PGA Championship debut came in the first major with no spectators amid the pandemic.
So it was a very different scenario for Morikawa, a mature-beyond-his-years Californian, as he made one of the greatest walks in golf down the 18th fairway at Royal St. George s, first to applause and then to a standing ovation.
After tapping in for par to win by two shots over Jordan Spieth, he gave a fist pump before applauding the spectators in the huge grandstand around the 18th green, part of a crowd of 32,000 people that made for the biggest gallery in golf since before the coronavirus pandemic.
Flawless finish: Morikawa wins British Open for 2nd major
United States Collin Morikawa holds the claret jug trophy as he poses for photographers on the 18th green after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Royal St George s golf course Sandwich, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) Peter Morrison
United States Collin Morikawa celebrates on the 18th green after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Royal St George s golf course Sandwich, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) Peter Morrison
United States Jordan Spieth lines up a a put on the 16th during the final round of the British Open Golf Championship at Royal St George s golf course Sandwich, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Ian Walton) Ian Walton
Collin show nwaonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nwaonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
24 of the UK s poshest seaside towns – and how to visit in style
We reveal the secret coastal spots that those in the know head for eating, swimming, surfing and entertaining the children
18 July 2021 • 6:00am
From cosy crab shops to pristine beaches, these are the places to head this summer
Credit: Alamy Images / Getty Images / Tory McTernan
Not going abroad this year? Fear not: we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to enjoying the great British seaside in style this year. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and HM Coastguard are braced for their busiest ever summer, with research showing that 30 million people plan to head to the UK coast. It may serve you well to avoid the more obvious destinations. Last year, visitors flocked en masse to the likes of Durdle Door and Bournemouth.
Ugly finish halts Spieth charge thesundaily.my - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thesundaily.my Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.