Morikawa aims for success as home hero makes the cut at Scottish Open

Collin Morikawa scored a 66 to climb the Scottish Open rankings. He hopes for success this week and next in his preparation for Troon.

The American recovered from a slow start to finish nine shots under par and went into the locker room three shots behind.

Morikawa won the Open in 2021 and hopes to repeat that golden moment when the major tournament gets underway in Troon next week.

He sees the Scottish Open as the perfect preparation, as he has already experienced the benefits.

“I got a lot out of it,” he told STV after completing his second round. “I didn’t drive it particularly well and found a lot of the long grass, but I did make some birdies and putts.

“When I won the Open in 2021, I gave a lot of credit to coming here. Part of the reason was that I had never played links golf before.

“I made it a point this year to play the week before, to be mentally prepared for the next week, but also of course to win this golf tournament.

“I didn’t get the best results here, but hopefully I can continue this (good form) this weekend.”

Scottish golfer Grant Forrest had an unforgettable moment at the Renaissance Club on Thursday when he hit an incredible shot on the 18th hole and made a birdie on the final hole to qualify for the weekend.

Forrest plays on his home course and he said making the cut is a big step on a course close to his heart.

“You know, 18 is one of the trickiest holes here, especially with the pin being on the right side, like it is now,” he said.

“I hit a pretty good tee shot and I don’t know where it came from, but I hit a brilliant 5-iron and it went off. It ended up about three feet out.

“What a relief to be inside and now I don’t have to wait anxiously anymore.

“The last few months have been pretty tough on the golf course.

“The Scottish Open means a lot to me and I’m just happy to be here for two more days and hopefully play a bit better golf over the weekend.”

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