Full Breakdown
Collin Morikawa Nears Lead After Opening Round at 2024 PGA Championship
5/16/2026, 12:15:30 AM
Morikawa's Opening Round
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Collin Morikawa carded a one-under 69. He recorded five birdies, four bogeys and a birdie on the 17th that moved him to –2, two strokes behind the leaders at –3. The score placed him in a 19-way tie for 15th.
Form and Health
Morikawa entered the event after breaking a two-year winless stretch with a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and five top-10 finishes this season, lifting him to No. 5 in the world rankings. Back spasms that forced his withdrawal from the Players Championship in March have eased; he said he feels “much better now, at least physically.”
Key Figures & Groups
- Collin Morikawa – No. 5, two-stroke contender.
- Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1, leading at –3 with a 3-under 67.
- Michael Kim – No. 45, 3-over 73, tied 98th after a double-bogey on the third and three consecutive bogeys on 14-16.
- Max Homa – No. 123, 5-over 75, tied 124th after a double-bogey on 17.
- Rory McIlroy – Reigning Masters champion, 4-over 74.
- Bryson DeChambeau – 76, four bogeys on the back nine.
Scores and Leaderboard Snapshot
- Morikawa: 1-under 69 (–2) – tied 15th.
- Scheffler: 3-under 67 (–3) – leader.
- McIlroy: 4-over 74.
- DeChambeau: 76, four bogeys on the back nine.
- Kim: 3-over 73, tied 98th.
- Homa: 5-over 75, tied 124th.
A total of 33 players were within two strokes of the lead after round one.
Implications for the PGA
Morikawa’s proximity to the lead makes him a strong candidate for his third major title. Sustaining his form could improve his ranking and cement his status among the favorites, while early struggles of other top players highlight the event’s volatility.
Official Statements & Responses
Morikawa told reporters his back issues have largely subsided, allowing him to focus on the mental side of the game. He said the mental game “is a big aspect of it” and that coping with recent discomfort has helped him “push yourself that much farther.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think the mental game -- we always talk about it in golf, that the mental game is a big aspect of it, and it truly is,” — Collin Morikawa, professional golfer
- “Trust me, it was very, very uncomfortable to play the Masters and very uncomfortable to play the week after at Hilton Head, but you just have to keep pushing.” — Collin Morikawa, professional golfer
What’s Next
Round 2 begins Friday; Morikawa sits two strokes behind the leaders, and a solid performance could move him into contention.
