KAPALUA (Hawaii) – Collin Morikawa, although he isn’t a surfer at all, rides a wave to the top of a leaderboard at The Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Morikawa shot an eagle, six birdies and a total of 8-under 65 at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course. This gave Morikawa a six-stroke advantage heading into the final round. He was ahead of Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick and Valero Texas Open winner J.J. Spaun.
“It’s been quite simple today. “It’s been pretty simple today.
Morikawa is currently the only player to not have a bogey in 54 holes. Scheffler had made an eagle at the fifth to tie him temporarily, but Morikawa hit an 11-foot eagle at the fifth to win control. He followed it up at six with a birdie and Scheffler bogey at that hole to regain control.
Morikawa’s putter is still hot. He’s currently leading the field in Strokes Gained : Putting (+6.778).
After Morikawa’s par-putt of 8 feet at 10, Mark Wilson, PGA Tour Radio’s Mark Wilson, said that “I keep waiting to him to miss one” “He’s like an alien out there.”
Morikawa’s six shot lead is equal to the biggest 54-hole lead (Russell Henley/World Wide Technology Championship Mayakoba), and matches the largest at this event since 1999. Morikawa is looking for his sixth career Tour title and his first Tour win since 2021 British Open. Morikawa blew a five-stroke lead in the Hero World Challenge in Dec 2021, which would have elevated him to world No. 1.
“Last year felt so slow. He said that the season’s middle, from Players to the playoffs, felt like it never finished. It was like playing a tournament. You get home and play another tournament. Then you play two more. It’s never finished. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are always searching. It’s been a long time, even though you see my friends and peers rise to the top. Tomorrow’s the big day.
