Collin Morikawa's Struggles with Back Injury Impacting Performance

Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion, is currently grappling with the effects of a back injury that has significantly impacted his performance on the golf course. After withdrawing from The Players Championship following just one hole due to back pain, Morikawa faced a challenging return at The Masters, where he managed to finish tied for seventh despite ongoing discomfort. He completed the tournament with a score of 9-under 279, showcasing resilience by shooting three consecutive rounds in the 60s after an initial 74.

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During a recent press conference, Morikawa expressed his feelings about the injury, stating, “I’m still swinging at whatever the idea, 50 percent is... It’s hard to trust the body right now. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling.” His apprehension stems from the fact that he has never experienced back issues while playing golf before, leading to a lack of confidence in his swing.

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Morikawa's current struggles appear to be as much mental as they are physical. He described feeling "very scared" on the course, a sentiment he had never encountered before. “There’s just no trust, and that’s the hardest thing,” he explained, indicating that the psychological aspect of his injury is complicating his ability to perform at his best. He noted that he has been timid and cautious, trying to protect his back while still competing.

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Despite these challenges, Morikawa has shown determination to continue playing. He stated, “I need to be at home to say, okay, let’s turn up the gears,” suggesting that he recognizes the need for further rehabilitation before fully committing to competitive play.

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Looking ahead, Morikawa's performance at The Masters has provided a confidence boost, but the uncertainty surrounding his back injury raises questions about his ability to compete in upcoming tournaments. He has a demanding schedule ahead, including three signature events and two majors over the next six weeks. Morikawa acknowledged the need to balance competition with recovery, saying, “If I do feel a little uncomfortable, at least I’m home, I’m not trying to play a tournament where I essentially need to make it 72 holes.”

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In his reflections on the Masters, Morikawa emphasized the mental fortitude required to compete under such conditions. He remarked, “The mind is a powerful tool... This week was all about trying to convince my body that it was safe enough to go play.” His experience highlights the intricate relationship between physical health and mental confidence in professional sports.

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• “I’m going to have to be in a little bit more of a comfortable at-home setting to test how far I can get to.” — Collin Morikawa

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• “And I’ve never been this scared in my life,” — Collin Morikawa

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• “There was lots of breathing and lots of self-talk.” — Collin Morikawa

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• “I feel like I’m swinging a little bit better in the motion, at least, but I wouldn’t say I’m putting more effort into it because, like I said, I need to be at home to say, OK, let’s turn up the gears.” — Collin Morikawa

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Morikawa's journey through recovery and competition continues to unfold, as he seeks to regain full confidence in his abilities while navigating the complexities of his injury.

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