SANDWICH, England (AP) — Whether it’s beginner’s luck or just solid play, Collin Morikawa has set himself apart in golf history.
The 24-year-old Morikawa is the first golfer to win two different majors in his first attempt after rallying to capture the British Open at Royal St. George’s. He began the day one stroke behind leader Louis Oosthuizen before closing with a bogey-free, 4-under 66 for a two-stroke victory over Jordan Spieth.
Morikawa made three straight birdies from the seventh hole to overtake Oosthuizen, who was seeking a wire-to-wire win.
Morikawa played the final 31 holes without a bogey and finished at 15-under 265. That’s the lowest score in the 15 times the British Open has been played at Royal St. George’s.
Sunday’s win follows his victory last year in his first PGA Championship.
Oosthuizen shot a 1-over 71 on Sunday to finish in a third-place tie with Jon Rahm, another near miss for the 2010 Open champ. Oosthuizen was the runner-up at the last two majors.
