WOW | Berger Wins in Playoff, Morikawa & Xander Left Heartbroken

The PGA Tour couldn’t have asked for a better result in their first tournament back. The best players in the world covered the top of the leaderboard, and it came down to the last shot. But, it wasn’t two of the biggest names in golf that made the playoff, it was a young newcomer, and a player that has struggled for years. 

Collin Morikawa, who hasn’t missed a cut since joining Tour, played like a veteran. Hitting over 80% of greens on Sunday, Collin is quickly becoming one of the best iron players on Tour.

Daniel Berger, who was finding form before the break, kept his momentum going at Colonial. He was able to post a fantastic 66 in windy conditions, and finished early to give everyone  something to look at. 

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17 (First Playoff Hole) 

Collin lost his tee shot to the right, making his approach nearly impossible. Daniel stripped his down the middle, giving him the clear advantage. Berger made a huge mistake and missed long from 155, giving himself a hard up-and-down. Morikawa played a punch out slice to the front left of the green that ended in the rough. Collin hit a brilliant chip to about 4ft under the hole. Berger made a great up-and-down from behind the green. Collin then lipped out his short par putt to give Daniel the win.

https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1272292271820587010?s=20

Berger is a fighter, battling a wrist injury that could have ended his career. He grinded for over 2 years to get back to this position, and he took advantage. With a story like this, it’s very easy to root for Daniel Berger. 

It was a disappointing day for many of the game’s top players. Rory Mcilroy had a terrible front 9, and finished at +4 for the day and -6 total, ending his Top-5 finish streak. JT and Jordan Spieth both shot +1, never giving themselves an opportunity to win. 

The biggest letdown of the day came at 17, where Xander Schauffele lipped out from 4ft to drop out of a share of the lead.

Unbelievable.

Co-leader Xander Schauffele's ball lips out on the 17th hole.

He makes bogey to fall 1 back with 1 to play.

Golf is heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/1X90JNiQpk

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 14, 2020

He looked to be in complete control of the tournament before that, and was unable to birdie 18 after leaving his bid just short. He was making putts from all over Colonial, which made the outcome on 17 more surprising. 

Next week the PGA Tour travels to the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head. The field, again, is loaded with the game’s biggest names. Rory, DJ, Xander, just to name a few. 

Congratulations to Daniel Berger on the well deserved victory.

Cover Image Via Twitter