SAN FRANCISCO – Collin Morikawa delivered a shot that will come down as one of the best in a major that was barely one witness. It put a nobility on the 16th hole Sunday that led him to the quietest PGA Championship victory ever.
In the first big without spectators, Morikawa ended with a blow.
He was among seven players bound for the lead at the back nine at Harding Park, and it was as wild as any Sunday in a major. Morikawa chipped from 40 feet on the 14th hole to take the lead, and then he ended it with one swing. On the 164-yard hole, he hit a driver who jumped on the green and lay 7 feet under the cup.
He made it for eagle and was on his way. Morikawa closed with a 6 under 64, the lowest last round by a PGA champion in 25 years, and took his place among the young stars taking over golf.
Just over a year ago, he had his degree in nearby California and was one of several heralded college players ready to rule. Now he has three victories, including a major, by defeating a world-class lineup on the public course in San Francisco.
Dustin Johnson never had anything to do with it. Brooks Koepka revealed that everything was talked about in his bid for a third straight PGA Championship. Tiger Woods was long gone before the leaders resigned.
This major was going up to one swing on a hole along the shore of Lake Merced, where the tee swung up to ask players to ride the green or pay the price if they missed in the trees to the right as it danger to the left.
Morikawa first never. His swing was never pure.
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