Collin Morikawa finished in the top 10 at the Masters. He started the tournament with a slow 74 but improved with a 69 on Friday.
What happened?
Morikawa's back injury limited his practice rounds and driver swings. He woke up nervous on Thursday.
Why it matters for Collin Morikawa
Morikawa found a new swing move that worked with his arms, not his core, and a mental thought that helped him push forward.
He shot 69 on Friday with six birdies. Morikawa was content with his game, saying it was some of the best golf he could have played.
What comes next?
Morikawa's finish exceeded his expectations. He hit 73% of fairways and 67% of greens, better than the field average.
And then he had four straight birdies on the final nine holes. Morikawa's back strain never left him hobbled.
He couldn't go for par 5s in two or manage much ball speed. But Morikawa loved the grind and was afloat during the tournament.
Morikawa said it was just survive each day, do the prep, and tee off. His finish was a surprise, given his slow start to the 2026 season.
But Morikawa broke through with a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He added top 10s in the Signature Events that followed.
Morikawa was on everyone's shortlist of Masters favorites until he pulled up lame at the Players Championship with a balky back.
He didn't get extra starts ahead of the Masters. Morikawa showed up gingerly in practice rounds, limiting his driver swings.
Morikawa's mental thought allowed him to push forward. He found something that worked, and it paid off with a top 10 finish.
The back strain never left him hobbled. Morikawa was thrilled with his finish, saying it blew by any expectations he had for the week.
Morikawa's strategy and mindset were key to his success. He focused on surviving each day and doing the necessary prep.
And it paid off, with a finish that exceeded his expectations. Morikawa's performance was a testament to his determination and skill.
But for Morikawa, it was just about playing the best golf he could. He loved the grind and was happy with his finish.
Morikawa's finish was a surprise, but it was also a reminder of his talent and dedication. He will look to build on this performance in future tournaments.
The Masters was a success for Morikawa, despite the challenges he faced. He proved himself to be a strong competitor, and his finish will give him confidence going forward.
Morikawa's performance was impressive, given the circumstances. He struggled with a back injury but still managed to finish in the top 10.
And he did it with a new swing move and a positive mindset. Morikawa's strategy and determination paid off, and he will look to continue this success in the future.
Morikawa's finish at the Masters was a highlight of the tournament. He exceeded expectations and proved himself to be a talented golfer.
The future looks bright for Morikawa, and he will look to build on this performance. He has the talent and dedication to succeed at the highest level.
Morikawa's performance at the Masters was a reminder of his skill and determination. He will look to continue this success in future tournaments.
And he will do it with a positive mindset and a strong work ethic. Morikawa's finish at the Masters was just the beginning, and he will look to achieve even more in the future.