Li lays down marker with San Francisco flourish
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E-mail China Daily, August 11, 2020
China's Li Haotong walked away from the PGA Championship on Sunday with renewed self-belief that he can triumph on golf's biggest stage soon.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a small slice of history when he became the first Chinese mainland golfer to lead in any round of a major championship by grabbing the halfway lead at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco on Friday. Weekend rounds of 73 and 69 saw him end a memorable week in joint 17th position.
Rising American star Collin Morikawa claimed his third PGA Tour title with a thrilling two-shot victory following a spectacular final-round 64. He chipped in for birdie on No 14 and eagled the par-4 16th after producing one of the best shots ever seen at a major with a drive that landed seven feet from the hole.
The Californian joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy by winning the event at age 23, thanks to a winning total of 13-under 267.
Li, who finished seven shots behind Morikawa, believes the experience will serve him well as he continues his pursuit for success at the highest level.
"Well, I just need to be more consistent, and physically, as well. I think if I play my best, I can beat them. Just want to try to be in the level," said Li, whose best finish at a major remains a third-place finish at the 2017 British Open.
After an early bogey on the second hole, the tenacious Chinese fought back with birdies on holes 5, 7, 10 and 14 to move into the top 10. His second birdie of the round was a massive conversion from 41 feet. However, a wayward drive on the final hole ended with a double bogey as he carded a 1-under 69.
A member of the International Team at the Presidents Cup last year, Li began the week by signing for rounds of 67 and 65 to take the lead midway through the year's first major before enduring a tough third day that included three bogeys and one double bogey in a round 73.
He conceded the pressure of leading a major championship got to him but vowed to learn from the experience.
"Yesterday (Saturday) was very stressful. Since I woke up … since I've never been there before. I just felt super tired, not because of practice, but today I felt like everything is released.
"I played really well until 16, missed a short birdie putt, and 18, I just want to go aggressive, try to make a birdie, and went a little bit left (into a penalty area). Yeah, it's great experience."
