Collin Morikawa posted a blistering 61 in the final round of the Travelers Championship on Sunday, July 7, 2026, pulling into a clubhouse lead at 20‑under‑par despite admitting his back injury is still bothering him.
How did Morikawa perform at TPC River Highlands?
Morikawa opened the day with a steady 68, then unleashed a string of birdies and an eagle on the back‑nine. His 61 included eight birdies and a 30‑foot putt on the 18th to finish at 20‑under‑par. The score put him atop the leaderboard, forcing a potential playoff that will likely shift to Monday.
What is the status of his back injury?
The 29‑year‑old told reporters after his round that he "still isn’t comfortable" and is "dancing around" his back. He said limited practice time has kept him from fine‑tuning his swing, but the pain is "a lot better than at The Masters". Morikawa added that each shot feels like a balance between making contact and protecting his spine.
Why does this matter for his season?
The performance marks Morikawa’s sixth top‑10 finish of the 2026 PGA Tour season. After a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro‑Am and solid showings at the Genesis and Arnold Palmer Invitationals, his back issue threatened to derail momentum. A 61 at the Travelers shows he can still contend for titles while managing the injury.
What are his next targets?
Morikawa said the upcoming Open Championship will test his ability to hit "quality golf shots" under pressure. He hopes the confidence from Connecticut will carry overseas, noting the need to stay healthy through the summer swing schedule. The next PGA Tour stop is the RBC Heritage, where he will gauge his back before heading to the majors.
How did the crowd react to his final‑round surge?
Fans erupted after his birdie on the 72nd hole, cheering as he walked off the 18th green. The rain delay earlier in the day gave him extra time to regroup, and many spectators praised his resilience. Commentators highlighted his poise, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition.
What does a playoff look like?
If a tie occurs after Monday’s round, the PGA Tour will employ a sudden‑death format beginning at the 18th hole. Morikawa’s experience in high‑pressure situations, such as the 2023 PGA Championship playoff, could give him an edge. He remains optimistic, saying the momentum will "carry us for a few weeks".
How does this affect his world ranking?
A win or high finish at the Travelers could push Morikawa back into the top‑five of the Official World Golf Ranking, closing the gap to leader Scottie Scheffler. Even a runner‑up finish would solidify his place among the season’s elite.
What did Morikawa say about his mental state?
He admitted he’s never "hung around for several hours" waiting to see if his score holds, describing the situation as "a weird position" but also "a great position". The mental challenge, he noted, is as demanding as the physical recovery.
What does this mean for his Open Championship preparation?
Morikawa plans to use the next few weeks to fine‑tune his short game and manage his back with targeted therapy. He believes the "good enough" feeling on the course will translate to the links, where precision and stamina are paramount.
What’s the broader impact on the tour?
Morikawa’s surge adds intrigue to the summer swing, with fans eager to see if he can convert his form into a major win. His candidness about injury management may also influence how other players approach rehab during the season.