Morikawa helps United States capture Arnold Palmer Cup
Collin Morikawa has reeled in a bevy of honors throughout his distinguished career.
The 2015 La Cañada High graduate was voted the All-Area Boys’ Golfer of the Year four times, won several amateur tournaments and is now flourishing for the University of California men’s golf team.
Morikawa added another major accomplishment to his resume Sunday when he helped the United States defeat Europe in the annual Arnold Palmer Cup named after the golf icon who won seven major championships.
Morikawa made his inaugural appearance in the Ryder Cup-style event, which was held Friday through Sunday at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga. The United States posted a 19 1/2-11 ½ win to improve to 11-9-1 in the all-time series. The competition featured the top college players from the United States and Europe.
“It’s a memorable experience and something that will always be special to me and my teammates,” said Morikawa, who earned All-Area selections from 2012-15. “It’s a chance to represent Arnold Palmer and honor his legacy. Everybody knows him and it’s a dream to help the team win.
“There’s a lot of great players in this competition and you get a chance to see how you fare against them. It’s exciting that you get to represent your country and honor the red, white and blue.”
Morikawa, 20, finished 2-2 in the first Palmer Cup since Palmer passed away.
He started Friday in match play, teaming with Maverick McNealy (Stanford) to top Richard Mansell and David Wicks, 2 and 1, in four-ball play.
Morikawa and Sean Crocker (USC) were then defeated, 4 and 2, by Fredrik Nilehn and Hannes Ronneblad.
On Saturday, Morikawa edged Rory Franssen, 3 and 2. Nielhn defeated Morikawa, 2 and 1, on Sunday.
“I thought I played well,” said Morikawa, who will be a junior in the fall at Cal. “I’m a lot more happy with the way the team played overall.”
The teams were tied at 5 after Friday’s action. The United States then won nine of 10 matches Saturday to build a commanding 14 1/2-5 ½ advantage. Needing just one win Sunday, the United States got it from Norman Xiong (Oregon), who defeated Harry Hall, 8-7.
“To win the event and share the cup with your teammates is special,” said Morikawa, who won the Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament for Champions in 2016, the Trans-Miss Amateur in 2015 and the Western Junior in 2013.
In addition, Morikawa was selected by his peers to earn an exemption into next year’s event, which will be held at Evian Resort Golf Club in France.
Morikawa also received an exemption into the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational, a PGA Tour event that will be held March 16-19 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Bay Hill, Fla.
Beginning next year, the event will focus on the United States against internationals with each team consisting of 12 male and 12 female athletes.
The United States team also included Sam Burns (LSU), Chandler Phillips (Texas A&M), Jimmy Stanger (Virginia), John Coultas (Florida Southern), Nick Hardy (Illinois) and Doug Ghim (Texas). John Fields and Andrew DiBitetto were the coaches.
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
