Sandwich (United Kingdom) (AFP)
American Collin Morikawa won the British Open golf for his first appearance on Sunday, ahead of compatriot Jordan Spieth and Spaniard John Rahm.
Morikawa, 24, is the first player to win two majors in his first appearances after winning the USPGA in 2020.
The South African Louis Oosthuizen, who had dominated the first three laps, had a very bad Sunday and finished only in 4th position after finishing his 4th lap a stroke above par (70).
"It was by far one of the best times of my life," Morikawa said after her victory, finally showing her emotions, after remaining in her bubble all day long.
"It's one of the nicest audiences I've ever seen, I can't wait to come back to the British Open for the next few years," added the Californian.
Since 2017, and the victory of Jordan Spieth, his main competitor on Sunday, an American had not won the British Open.
He finished the tournament, played under bright sunshine on the Royal St George course, with a card of 15 under par, two strokes ahead of Spieth and four over Rahm and Oosthuizen.
Morikawa took advantage of Oosthuizen's bogey on the 4th hole to grab the lead and start the return course at 14 under par.
Concentrated until the end, he then resisted Spieth's return, managing to reach 15 under the par thanks to a long putt in the 14th.
Spieth can harbor regrets, having missed his Saturday afternoon, performing several bogeys.
"My end of the day was one of the worst I've ever had," said Spieth.
"I am proud to have finished six under the par on the last 12 holes, and to have been able to put pressure on Collin (Morikawa). I did what I could", relativized the three-time winner of adults.
This is the first time that a player has won the British Open in his first participation since Ben Curtis 18 years ago on the same course, in Kent (south-east).
John Rahm, who started as favorite but was only in 6th position at the end of the 3rd round, recovered on Sunday to grab 3rd place with a card of 66.
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