Collin Morikawa will win The Open Championship for a second time at Royal Birkdale. He fired a stunning 61 in the final round at the Travelers Championship, moving him 11 places up the leaderboard, just one shot behind Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland.

What happened at the Travelers Championship?

Collin Morikawa's victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was more significant than Scottie Scheffler's win at The American Express. Morikawa finished inside the top 20 at both the US Open and the Travelers Championship this month.

Why it matters for Collin Morikawa

Morikawa has arguably had a better season than Scottie Scheffler, with a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and three top 10s behind Scheffler this year. He sustained a back injury at The Players Championship but has still finished inside the top 20 at both the US Open and the Travelers Championship.

The statistics that show Collin Morikawa is ready to win

Morikawa is now first on the PGA Tour for strokes gained approach this season. He gained more shots with his approach play at TPC River Highlands than he has at any tournament since his victory at Pebble Beach. He also gained on the field with the putter in his hands in his last four tournaments.

Collin Morikawa's back injury may have proven to be a blessing in disguise, with expectations lowered, he has gone under the radar with a fantastic year. He is getting a number of outstanding results, and perhaps the best result of Morikawa's 2026 is just around the corner.

Royal Birkdale could suit Morikawa, given that he averages less than 305 yards off the tee this season. The Southport venue is generally one of the shorter courses on the rota, which should help Morikawa. He was not in the field when The Open Championship was previously held at Royal Birkdale.

Collin Morikawa is ready to win The Open Championship for a second time, with his stunning 61 in the final round at the Travelers Championship, and his statistics showing he is hitting form at the perfect time. He has finished inside the top 20 at both the US Open and the Travelers Championship this month, and is poised to take the Claret Jug from Scottie Scheffler's grasp next month at Royal Birkdale.

The opportunity is there for Collin Morikawa to snatch the Claret Jug from Scottie Scheffler's grasp next month at Royal Birkdale. With his fantastic year, and his statistics showing he is hitting form at the perfect time, Morikawa is the one to watch at The Open Championship.