Collin Morikawa's Quest for Redemption at Pebble Beach

Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion, showcased his raw talent during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, shooting a remarkable 10-under 62. This performance, which included 11 birdies and just one bogey, propelled him into the final pairing for Sunday’s round alongside Akshay Bhatia. Despite this impressive display, Morikawa's recent history has been marked by inconsistency and struggles, particularly with his putting. Since his last victory in 2023, he has faced difficulties converting strong starts into wins, going 0-for-6 when beginning a final round in second place or better.

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Morikawa burst onto the PGA Tour with significant success, winning two major championships before turning 25. However, his trajectory has shifted in recent years, with only one victory since 2022, which came at the Zozo Championship in Japan. This decline has coincided with persistent putting woes, which have transformed from a minor issue into a significant liability. In 2025, he ranked 156th on Tour in strokes gained (SG) putting, marking the third consecutive year he finished outside the top 100 in this category.

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Reflecting on his struggles, Morikawa expressed a candid acknowledgment of his discomfort with the putter, stating, “I think I might be [uncomfortable with my putter] for the rest of my career.” He emphasized the importance of feel and instinct in his game, which have been adversely affected by his putting challenges. Despite these issues, he remains optimistic about his potential to return to form, particularly after a strong showing at Pebble Beach.

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Critics have noted that Morikawa's recent performances highlight a stark contrast to his early career success. While he was once celebrated as a rising star, his ongoing difficulties have led to comparisons with peers like Scottie Scheffler, who have continued to ascend in the sport. Some analysts argue that Morikawa's reliance on ball-striking alone is insufficient without a reliable putting game, which has become increasingly evident in high-pressure situations.

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As Morikawa heads into the final round at Pebble Beach, he faces the dual challenge of maintaining his strong ball-striking while overcoming his putting struggles. This tournament represents a critical opportunity for him to secure a signature victory and potentially reignite his career. The outcome will be closely watched, as it may determine the trajectory of his season and future performance on the PGA Tour.

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• “I went into this year feeling really good about myself,” — Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer

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• “Yeah. I think I might be [uncomfortable with my putter] for the rest of my career,” — Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer

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• “Some weeks, it can be enough to derail an entire tournament — and this week, it has hardly moved the needle.” — Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer

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