Collin Morikawa fired a 61 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Travelers Championship, posting a 9‑under round that left him just one shot behind the playoff between Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler.
What happened?
Morikawa opened the day with two consecutive birdies, then surged with a 5‑under 30 on the front nine. He added birdies on holes 10, 13 and 16, and capped the round with a clutch birdie from eight feet on the rain‑slick 18th. The 61 was the low round of the day and moved him to 20‑under for the tournament, one stroke back of the leaders.
How did Morikawa describe his round?
The American said he "manifested" his performance, telling his wife before tee‑off that he hoped to finish the three‑week stretch on a high note. He explained that his thoughts were scattered, especially on the 13th and 16th, but he trusted his stance and club selection. "I flushed it," he recalled after sinking a 29‑foot birdie putt on the 9th, noting the wind and wet conditions worked in his favor.
Why it matters for his season?
The 61 lifted Morikawa into a six‑and‑a‑half‑stroke lead over the field in Strokes Gained: Putting and marked his sixth top‑10 finish of the year, following a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro‑Am. It also underscored his resilience after withdrawing from THE PLAYERS Championship due to a back injury and a modest finish at the Masters.
What’s next for Morikawa?
Morikawa confirmed his next start will be The Open Championship, giving himself time to rest and spend time with his wife and newborn. He admitted his back is still not fully comfortable, limiting practice opportunities, but remains optimistic about returning to peak form.
How did the playoff picture shape up?
Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler entered the Monday playoff tied at 21‑under, while Morikawa’s 20‑under left him just outside the cut. He joked about eating an ice‑cream sandwich while waiting in the clubhouse, a quirky detail that highlighted his relaxed mindset despite the high stakes.
The Travelers Championship showcased Morikawa’s ability to produce low rounds under pressure, reinforcing his status as a contender in major events despite lingering injury concerns.