We were treated to another exciting week on the PGA Tour with the added spice of a WGC title to quicken the heart rate.
Concession golf course was the real winner as it threw up a very different test to most other weeks and the change identified the most complete player on show: Collin Morikawa.
It was the Californian’s fourth top-10 finish in six outings and his third win in seven months dating back to last year’s triumph at the Workday Charity Open.
Golf fans are always guilty of predicting ‘the next big thing’ as it is always fun to gaze into the future, but there’s no doubt Morikawa ticks a lot of boxes.
At only 24, his numbers are sparkling with four wins in only 42 starts including a maiden Major at last year’s PGA Championship. And now he has a WGC title on his CV.
An interesting aspect of his rise is the fact most of his high profile successes, including his Major win at Harding Park, have come without the full glare of a packed house.
Some might argue a lack of spectators and the scrutiny that brings takes away from his achievements, but I’d argue the opposite.
A lot of top names have struggled to step up in the current climate, so for me Morikawa has shown a level of maturity to deliver on such a surreal stage.
The big question now is, are we witnessing a player destined to spend the remainder of his career at the very top?
It’s dangerous to predict in top level sport, where the margins between joy and mediocrity are miniscule, but the signs are good.
He’s up to fourth in the world rankings – a career high – and I like how he thinks and navigates his way around a course.
He’s a bit of an outlier in the sense he’s a young player who doesn’t possess the kind of nouveau power game many believe is a prerequisite for a top career these days.
But the fact he has done most of his learning through playing rather than on machines is
testament to his coach who has taught him not to overcomplicate his game.
In the heat of battle, Morikawa focuses on execution, not perfection, and that calm, composed approach allied with a superb iron game is paying off.
He had a good supporting cast in Florida alongside Viktor Hovland, who gave readers a good run for their money with a T2 finish at 20/1.
You could argue Hovland, who is only 23 and has a win and five top-fives in his last seven
outings, is in the same bracket as the Californian.
But serial winning creates hype and it’s Morikawa riding the hype train five weeks out from Augusta.
Showing true colours
It was touching to see so many top players – Rory included – wearing red and black in tribute to Tiger Woods at the WGC-Workday Championship.
Woods, recovering from last week’s horrific car crash in Los Angeles, wrote on Twitter: “To every golfer and fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”
It was fitting that golf’s modern stars showed their appreciation because the 15-times Major champion is the primary reason for the huge purses they’re playing for these days.
Tiger sprinkled stardust on the sport and the big question now is if a 45-year-old who has suffered such a serious leg injury will ever return to top level action.
The signs are positive that he will make a full recovery in terms of everyday life, but to lose a full year of golf is a hammer blow for a player at the tail end of his career.
Time is not on Tiger’s side and an added concern now is how his injuries and the impact of last week’s accident will affect an already vulnerable back.
On the red and black tribute, I must say some of the rubbish spouted online and flak directed at certain players for not taking part was risible.
Players have a free will to do as they wish and for some wearing red in Florida didn’t dovetail with long standing commitments to manufacturers and sponsors.
Tiger more than anyone will appreciate that.
Social media really does shine an unforgiving light on the level of ignorance out there and it’s not a pleasant sight.
Give a monkey a microphone…
Ireland’s Leona continues to make massive Gains
Leona Maguire got her season off to a solid start with a top-16 finish at Gainbridge and that result should give her a real boost in her quest to retain her full status.
To compete on the toughest stage of the ladies game – the LPGA – is testament to her progress and belief in her own ability.
Eventual winner Nelly Korda got her fourth career win and her first victory on US soil and what a wonderful player she is.
I must say, I’ve really enjoyed the LPGA Tour over the past 12 months, and the quality on show week in week out has been marvellous.
The fact we have two players from these shores – Leona and Stephanie Meadow – obviously makes it a bit more relatable and has added to the enjoyment.
But the older I get the more I find myself gravitating towards the women’s game, simply because I think so much more can be learned from watching the top women play.
They play far more within themselves and that is something everyone should aim for.
Sky Sports have done a great job levelling out the coverage between the men’s and women’s game and that must be commended.
I look forward to following both Leona and Stephanie this season and it’s great that we’ll get a chance to see them in person at Galgorm later in the summer.
There are many younger female amateurs coming through in Ireland and to be honest they are outshining the boys at the moment.
It’s great to see.
BETTING SLIP - ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL
Francesco Molinari – 28/1 EW
Molinari is on the comeback trail and returning to a happy hunting ground.
Kevin Na – 50/1 EW
T11 at the WGC-Workday and is always dangerous if he can get in range.
Branden Grace – 80/1 EW
This is super value for a player fresh off a win at the Puerto Rico Open.
Luke List – 100/1 EW
Enjoys good course form at Bay Hill and has the potential to capitalise
Chris Kirk – 100/1 EW
Steady course form and is also on a journey of recovery on and off course.
