PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — In recent times, a widely echoed sentiment among PGA Tour players is just how difficult winning can be, often realized when they find themselves sitting beside a hard-earned trophy. Unfortunately for Collin Morikawa, this truth has become all too familiar following several tough losses.
Having achieved an impressive five victories in just over two years since turning professional, Morikawa now finds himself in a drought, with only a single title to his name in his last 75 starts. Despite being positioned at No. 4 in the world rankings—a testament to his consistent, high-level performance—the lack of victories is a tough pill to swallow.
Morikawa reflected on his recent experiences, acknowledging that while he consistently places himself in contention, the thrill of actually winning is irreplaceable. “I do care about the wins and I do care about finishing on top,” Morikawa remarked. He expressed frustration at not capitalizing on opportunities, noting that while he performs well under pressure, the outcomes are not always in his favor.
Casting his mind back to significant moments, Morikawa fondly remembers being in the final pairings at two major tournaments last year. While his skills are undeniable—he was the victor of the 2020 PGA Championship and the British Open in 2021—his journey has become more challenging as of late.
His statistics currently indicate better scoring than during his victory years, yet he longs for the freedom he once felt on Sundays when winning seemed to come more naturally. A stark reminder of the unpredictability of golf was the collapse he faced at the start of 2023, losing a six-shot lead in the final round in Kapalua. Though he played a flawless 67 consecutive holes without a bogey, a series of unfavorable shots dashed his hopes of victory.
Adding to the frustration was last week’s attempt at Bay Hill. Despite leading by three shots with five holes remaining, Morikawa fell short, not due to errors on his part but rather outstanding play by Russell Henley. Henley’s skill and some favorable breaks ultimately secured him the win, particularly when he chipped in for an eagle from a challenging lie at the 16th hole.
Reflecting on the game, Henley sympathized with Morikawa, admitting, “Sometimes golf is just mean like that.” Though Morikawa’s performance indicates he is on the right path, the challenge remains in moving forward after such outcomes. He expressed the need to process the results, learn, and improve.
Despite not being in the mood to engage with the media after his recent defeat, Morikawa remained optimistic about future opportunities. With his sights set on The Players Championship, he recognizes it has been nearly 18 months since his latest victory, and two years since prior international success.
The journey in golf is indeed marked by ebbs and flows, lessons, and relentless perseverance. Morikawa understands this well, noting that while winning is undoubtedly challenging, he is determined to absorb these lessons and push forward. “I love being in that position. I don’t take it for granted because you just never know,” he stated. Ultimately, he aims to channel this drive into a potential win this week, keeping the spirit of resilience alive.
