2023 Champions League Standings: Collin Morikawa splits himself in the second round at Kapalua
At the 2023 Champions League, it is not the winner from the 2021-22 season that takes the top of the standings, but the one who wins the most. Collin Morikawa commanded a solo lead in bottom 16 mid-match at the Plantation Course in Kapalua as the two-time major champion looked younger with a putter in hand.
As the top three irons player on the PGA Tour for the last three seasons, Morikawa’s hitter often holds the key to victory. If he hits the ball well, he risks getting into the winner’s circle. If he fails to do so, will usually appear on the third or fourth page of the leaderboard.
This week, the first is happening as the introduction of coach Stephen Sweeney and short-game master Parker McLachlin to his inner ring has paid dividends. Over the weekend, the short game will need to continue to earn money if he makes it to the winner’s ring for the first time since November 2022 and the first time in the US since February 2021.
It won’t be an easy task as he is closely followed by JJ Spaun, Champion’s League debut and defending PGA Tour Player of the Year Scottie Scheffler with 14 points below. Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick are all on the first page of the standings and are five strokes behind Morikawa with 36 holes to play.
Leadership
1. Collin Morikawa (-16)
Morikawa may not win in 2022, but statistically, in terms of strokes hit, he’s still exactly the same as he was in 2021 when he won three times. This week, he leads the field in terms of putts, winning nearly four flats in two innings, and combined with his buttery iron play has resulted in a one-shot punch. two deadly. As someone who often lags behind opponents on the pitch, it is this club that will make or break the world No. 11’s first start of the year.
other candidates
T2. Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun (-14)
4. Jordan Spieth (-13)
5. Tom Kim (-12)
T6. Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm (-11)
T8. Luke List, Tony Finau, Corey Conners, Aaron Wise (-10)
What else to say about Tom Kim? Every time it seemed the course wasn’t right for his game or the competition was too stiff, he popped up on the first page of the leaderboard. Paired with former world No 1 Rahm on Friday, Kim looked relaxed despite missing most of her birdie opportunities. Still four strokes behind Morikawa, if he wins, it will not only be the third win of his very young PGA Tour career, but the 20-year-old is on the verge of a sizable title. name (Tiger Forest).
Scheffler seeks to regain world No. 1 position
The former world No. 1 is likely to return to world No. 1 at the weekend if he finishes 3rd or higher with a 2-leg draw. For him to do so, Scheffler will need the putter to start cooperating as he currently leads the course in tee-to-green hits.
In 16 started after his victory at masters, Scheffler has averaged -0.35 strokes per round. Over two rounds at Kapalua, he hit -0.69 strokes per round and placed 30th in the field. A change to this club could lead to a victory and be world No 1 again.
Updated odds and picks for the 2023 Champions League
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
- Collin Morikawa: 2-1
- Scottie Scheffler: 13/5
- Jordan Spieth: 7-1
- Jon Rahm: 2/17
- JJ Spaun: 12-1
- Tom Kim: 14-1
- Matt Fitzpatrick: 22-1
- Tony Finau: 28-1
This is difficult. Conventional wisdom suggests Morikawa regresses on the green, but that’s not knowing the enduring power of this new-found confidence in his putt. This also means that Scheffler shows improvement, which I believe is the more likely scenario and in less time 3-1 is a worthwhile investment.
Spieth continues to be a human roller coaster, and Rahm begins to exhibit similar traits that make me uneasy about the idea of supporting either of them. Not sure if Kim can continue this rapid upward momentum, if a longer bid is desired, my money goes to Finau at 28-1 in the hopes of a compelling performance in the near future. weekend.
