The 2020 Major Champions Invitational (MCI) presented by Golf Saudi lived up to its high billing with an action-packed finish to both the Boys and Girls events at Lookout Mountain Golf Club, Japan’s Yuki Moriyama and American Zoe Campos claiming top honours.
In the Boys event, after 13 birdies and an eagle in the first two rounds, Moriyama continued his rich vein of form with four more birdies in the first seven holes on the final day. He started the day with a two-shot lead and appeared to be cruising until stumbling with a double-bogey at 12. After another dropped shot at 13, he regained control with birdies at 14 and 15.
Playing with Moriyama in the final group was Gustav Andersson from Sweden (Team Stenson), who put up a spirited fight. However, by the time they reached the tee on the par-five 18th, Moriyama remained two shots ahead of the Swede. When he struck a towering eight-iron second shot to 25 feet his victory was confirmed.
“I had some scary moments as I made a double-bogey and a bogey, which meant at one point we tied scores. But I told myself to relax and make more birdies. Although I kind of messed up 17, I’m so happy to win a big event like this. I’ve not won in a while and it was important to get back in the winner’s circle. Being a team and individual event, the MCI (Major Champions Invitational) is unique – and golf is so much easier as an individual. We are representing famous professionals and you try to play for your team, so it’s a new experience. I had so much fun.”
Representing Team Lopez, Campos entered the final day two shots behind overnight leader June Song of Australia. However, an eagle-three on the long second hole drew Campos level with her playing partner. Campos continued to exert pressure and took the solo lead with a birdie on the third.
In cruise control, Campos covered the front-nine in 32 before a double-bogey on 11 and a bogey on 12 dragged her back into a tie with Song. But Campos bounced back by covering the final four holes in three-under to claim a two-shot victory.
“It’s a great start to the year! The tournament has been amazing, with players from lots of different countries, as well as high-profile professionals leading the teams. I have no words to describe winning both events. It’s the coolest thing to be part of a team. It gives you so much more motivation,” said Campos. “This will give me a lot of confidence going into the future now knowing I can close it out in a big event.”
The team winners were Team Lopez, captained by Nancy Lopez. They won by five strokes from the all-Swedish team captained by Henrik Stenson.
“What a brilliant week! We’ve seen some amazing golf and we’ve ended up with two fantastic individual winners in Yuki and Zoe, as well as the Team Winners captained by Nancy Lopez. Team Spieth had the opportunity to meet with Jordan earlier in the week, and Ariya Jutanugarn has been with us for the last couple of days. I hope the players have all enjoyed it and will take away some valuable experiences. We’re already planning for next year’s event and it’s going to be bigger and better,” said tournament host Sir Nick Faldo.
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