The Open 2021 LIVE: Leaderboard and reaction as Collin Morikawa wins the Claret Jug at Royal St George’s
Follow all the action live from Royal St George’s
Collin Morikawa has won The Open after a stunning final round of 66 at Royal St George’s.
The 24-year-old American had started the day one shot adrift of Louis Oosthuizen but surged four clear by the turn thanks to a spectacular front-nine of 32.
Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm both mounted charges over the course of the back nine, but Morikawa then held his nerve under the most heightened pressure, with tremendous putts at the 10th, 14th and 15th to card a round of 66 and ensure himself of a two-shot victory
Follow all the reaction from what was a thrilling afternoon at Royal St George’s:
THE OPEN 2021: THE TALE OF COLLIN MORIKAWA’S VICTORY
Faced by the first shudders of uncertainty on the tenth green at Royal St George’s, Collin Morikawa quietly clenched his fist and punched the air three times. After a faultless front-nine had cut the cord on a sputtering field, the 24-year-old American’s approach had sailed over the back of the green and buried itself into a deep tuft of rough that invited whispers of disaster. A treacherous par-putt spiked Morikawa’s adrenaline, the blood rushing through his arteries and echoing in his eardrums until his ball hit the heart of the hole with utter conviction. In that moment, even as Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm mounted daring insurgences, it became clear that Morikawa’s stranglehold on the Claret Jug would never slip.
Tom Kershaw details the events on a tense final day at The Open.
Collin Morikawa makes history with debut win at The Open
The 24-year-old American became just the fifth debutant since the Second World War to lift the Claret Jug
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
More reaction from Collin Morikawa, to Sky Sports: “I tell everyone I’m not the biggest history guy, but holding the Claret Jug, writing my name in the books, is special.
“I’ve had belief in myself since turning professional that I could do this. When it comes to golf courses I haven’t played, I do my homework. The Scottish Open last week was huge for me.
“I’m sure I’m going to be having a few drinks out of this [the Claret Jug].”
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
Morikawa starts by congratulating Schmid, a classy touch, in what is a remarkably composed and chill victory speech from Morikawa!
“This is by far one of the best moments of my life,” Morikawa says. “To see some of the best crowds here at the Open makes me excited to come back every year. I wouldn’t be here without my family, who couldn’t make the trip.
“We are so honoured to be out here on this great golf course. To be named champion golfer of the year gives me chills, thank you guys.”
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
Matthias Schmid will receive the silver medal given to best amateur before Morikawa is presented with the Claret Jug...
And there it is! He lifts the trophy high into the air!
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
Louis Oosthuizen was the only player in the top 10 to not shoot sub-70 today. The South African’s wait for a second major win goes on, and this is now the third time this year he has finished second in a major championship.
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
Morikawa also becomes the fastest player to reach two major wins since 1934. He’s only entered a major on eight occasions - he’s now won two.
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
You won’t see many better final rounds in a major that that, either. Not a single bogey from Morikawa, despite being in trouble on a couple of occasions.
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
Morikawa becomes just the fifth man since the Second World War to win the Open on his debut, in what is also his second major win. He’s only 24!
THE OPEN 2021: COLLIN MORIKAWA WINS THE CLARET JUG
Inches away from a closing birdie, Morikawa taps in for par to win the Open! What a performance. He breaks out into a huge smile as he laps up the adulation from the crowd, hugs his caddie and waves to the stands.
THE OPEN 2021: MORIKAWA ON THE 18TH GREEN
The 24-year-old finds the green with his second shot. Three putts from 15 feet and he will be the Open champion.
Now he gets to enjoy the standing ovation from the packed crowd at St George’s as he walks down the fairway to the 18th green. A special moment for him.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies