In a recent press conference, Collin Morikawa, the champion golfer of the year 2021, engaged in a discussion about the name of the prestigious golf tournament held annually in the United Kingdom. While Americans commonly refer to it as the British Open, the rest of the world recognizes it as The Open Championship. Morikawa, being no stranger to controversy surrounding the tournament’s nomenclature, expressed his belief that the choice of title should be left to the individual golfer.
Morikawa, who emerged victorious in the 2021 Open Championship at Royal St. George’s, confessed to the media that he had experienced a dilemma in choosing the correct title for the tournament. He remarked, “At the end of the day, if you win it, you can call it whatever the hell you want. I think people understand whether you say British Open or The Open.” With different regions adopting distinct terminologies, the question of nomenclature has become an intriguing matter for curious minds.
Morikawa’s triumph at Royal St. George’s last year was historic, not only as his second and most recent major championship but also because he became the first golfer since 2003 to secure victory in his debut appearance. Starting the final round trailing by a single stroke, Morikawa’s masterful bogey-free 4-under 66 propelled him to claim the coveted Claret Jug.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Morikawa admitted that he had initially referred to the tournament as the British Open following his win, only to face backlash for its utilization. Retrospectively, he adjusted his terminology to The Open last year, but found that he had played better when he regarded it as the British Open. This intriguing observation gives rise to the question of whether the choice of name can influence an individual’s performance. While Morikawa’s playfulness in choosing between titles adds a dash of humor to the situation, it is vital to recognize the heritage and legacy behind The Open Championship. As golf’s oldest major championship, it is deeply intertwined with the golfing traditions of the United Kingdom, encompassing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Regardless of personal preferences, this tournament represents a pinnacle of excellence and serves as a stage where legends are both made and celebrated.
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