Martin Dempster: Abundance of talent, old and new, shines on golf’s big return

Rising star Collin Morikawa is a name to watch out for

Twenty-three-year-old Collin Morikawa has made 21 successive cuts on the US circuit. Picture: Getty.

N ot bad for starters, eh? It may have been a bit flat in terms of an atmosphere due to no fans being in attendance because of coronavirus restrictions. But the Charles Schwab Challenge didn’t really disappoint as far as delivering an impact on golf’s big return.

Okay, it was slightly disappointing that Rory McIlroy’s challenge fizzled out in the final two rounds as his impressive run of top-five finishes on the PGA Tour this season came to end, the world No 1 having to settle for a tie for 32nd.

But, with the eyes of the sporting world watching due to golf being one of the first sports to return to TV screens, it was just what was needed to see him up near the top of the leaderboard for three days and others, too.

Welcome returns to form by both Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose augur well for them for the remainder of the season, which also looks set to be exciting for Bryson DeChambeau.

The American has gone from a medium to extra large in his clothing after putting on 40lbs through a fitness regime during lockdown. He is not everyone’s cup of tea and never will be. But there can be no denying that DeChambeau has an impressive game, as does Xander Schauffele and you get the feeling he is going to land something big before too long.

And what about Collin Morikawa? The 23-year-old has now started his pro career by making 21 consecutive cuts on the US circuit. It is the second-longest streak in the last 30 years behind only Tiger Woods (25). He ended up feeling disappointed on this occasion after missing a good birdie chance at the last then losing out to Daniel Berger in a play-off, but watch out for Morikawa.

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