Collin Morikawa, one of golf’s brightest stars, has finally broken a 28-month winless streak on the PGA Tour by clinching the prestigious AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. His journey to this triumph culminated in an exhilarating finish, where the pressure and anticipation became palpable, especially as Morikawa anxiously awaited on the 18th fairway before executing a magnificent 4-iron shot from 235 yards, amid challenging winds. CBS described this moment as “endless,” perfectly reflecting the pent-up frustration of an athlete of Morikawa’s stature, who had already secured two majors in his first seven appearances as a professional.
After a bogey on the 17th, Morikawa remained unfazed and sealed the victory with a birdie on the final hole, finishing with an impressive round of 5 under par and a total of 22 under par over 72 holes. This triumph marks Morikawa’s seventh win on the PGA Tour, reaffirming his talent and determination. “I’m older and have more scars, but deep down I believe I can still do this,” Morikawa stated, revealing a glimpse of his internal struggle.
The pressure on Morikawa increased following an underwhelming performance at the 2025 Ryder Cup, leading him to question his abilities and his place on the U.S. team. He acknowledged that he has been hard on himself and that this self-imposed pressure has led to changes in coaches and caddies. His journey of self-discovery has seen him hire a new physiotherapy team, with the aim of gaining weight and muscle, although he began the season with a missed cut in Hawaii, prompting him to reflect on lost time.
In a conversation with his childhood coach, Rick Sessinghaus, Morikawa found the motivation he needed. “I think I’ve been trying to make golf so perfect that I forgot how to play,” Morikawa commented, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the essence of the game. At the iconic par-3 seventh hole, his skill and instinct resurfaced. “It’s all about feel, and that’s the art that many lose over time,” he added.
On Saturday, Morikawa impressed by hitting all 18 greens in regulation, setting a record at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with 6,472 strokes on approaches, the best number in the tournament’s history. On Sunday, he faced a tight contest, with several players close to the top of the leaderboard, but he maintained his calm and focus, even after a bogey on the 17th.
The wait on the 18th fairway before his decisive shot was a metaphor for his own wait for victory. With 235 yards to the green, the pressure was intense, but Morikawa remained focused, even during the long wait for a decision involving another player. “We were frozen,” said his caddie, Mark Urbanek, reflecting on the tension of the moment.
After the decisive shot, Morikawa not only expressed relief but also revealed that he and his wife are expecting a child, showing that his personal life is also thriving. “No Bogey,” he joked when asked about possible names for the baby. The support from friends and colleagues, like Russell Henley, who also believes in Morikawa’s talent, was crucial during this moment of celebration.
In summary, Collin Morikawa, one of the best iron players of his generation, proved that even after a challenging period, the art of playing golf can spectacularly reemerge. With this victory, he reaffirms not only his place in professional golf but also his ability to overcome adversity and shine under pressure.
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