Full Breakdown
Collin Morikawa Returns to the RBC Canadian Open After Back Injury and New Fatherhood
6/11/2026, 11:30:33 PM
Return to the RBC Canadian Open
On June 10, 2026, No. 10 Collin Morikawa entered the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ontario. It was his first start since a T-55 finish at the PGA Championship and his first appearance at the event since his 2019 debut.
Back Injury and Recovery
Morikawa has been managing a back injury that first appeared during a practice swing at The Players Championship in March and forced his withdrawal after one hole. He described the condition as “nagging” and said a four-week break provided a “full reset” before returning.
Fatherhood and Mindset
Morikawa’s wife Katherine Zhu gave birth to their first child weeks before the Canadian Open. He said the experience has given him “a different perspective on life,” increased his positivity, and encouraged him to “relax” while playing.
Recent Form and Statistics
Since the 2026 season began, Morikawa has logged four top-10 finishes, a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and a T-7 at the Masters. He is a two-time major champion and is listed at 40-1 odds to win the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
Trust Factor and U.S. Open Outlook
Morikawa said he is still searching for a “trust factor” in his swing, noting it feels “a lot better” than recent outings. Golf.com highlighted his tee-to-green accuracy as an asset for Shinnecock Hills, where length is needed but not overwhelming. He hopes confidence built in Canada will translate into consistent ball-striking at the U.S. Open.
Official Statements & Responses
Morikawa told reporters that advice from peers gave him “a different perspective on life” and that he is “a lot more positive” on the course. He noted limited practice, sleep disruption from newborn care, and the need to restore confidence in his swing. He added that National Opens should evolve while preserving their historic character.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, a lot of people on tour have given me advice, a lot of friends. And just a different perspective on life, I think. I’m just enjoying every day. I can stare at a camera, I can stare at my little one just non-stop and kind of forget about what else is going on. I know at the same time I still have a job to do when I’m out here and that’s what’s great kind of being back. But at the same time when I’m out there playing you’re kind of playing a little bit differently, your mind’s in a different spot. I think I’m a lot more positive out there and hopefully I can kind of just allow my body to relax and go out and play golf and enjoy it again,” — Collin Morikawa, Golfer
- “There’s still a trust factor that I’m looking for that I’m trying to find this week, I think, going into tomorrow and into next week essentially.” — Collin Morikawa, Golfer
- “I won't push it on my wife that I'm getting some great sleep out here. But your body gets used to taking 50-minute naps and learning how to run off that.” — Collin Morikawa, Golfer
- “But at the same time, respect the history of what the Canadian Open was and has been.” — Collin Morikawa, Golfer
What’s Next
Morikawa will finish his preparation at the Canadian Open before traveling to Shinnecock Hills for the U.S. Open, where he hopes the confidence gained in Canada will support a contend-ready performance.
