Collin Morikawa is crazy like a fox at the Memorial, where he says he 'loves the place'
DUBLIN, Ohio – Collin Morikawa always has been crazy about Muirfield Village Golf Club.
'This is probably the only golf course where I've stepped foot on it before I actually played and said, like, I love this place, no matter how I play, and it's kind of rare to find that,' he said.
Morikawa won here at the 2020 Workday Charity Open and has twice finished second at the Memorial, including last year. On Thursday, he birdied three holes in a four-hole stretch on the front nine and made six birdies in all en route to posting 5-under 67 in the first round, two off the pace set by Ben Griffin.
'I woke up today kind of not knowing how the swing was going to produce. I spent a couple hours on the range after the pro-am yesterday and was just trying to find something,' he explained. 'Yeah, kind of went to some old swing thoughts, and it's hard to filter through that, but did it on the range, and kind of was just able to go play golf. I got to trust myself that I'm playing good enough golf to go out there and win and that's what I did today.'
Asked if it was the same swing thought as a week ago, Morikawa shook his head from side to side. 'No, it's more of a swing thought that I had around Bay Hill. Shocker that I didn't stick with it,' he said of the site of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he finished second in March. 'Like I said yesterday, we're crazy. We think one thing's good, so then you just go away from that and try something new. But it's just, honestly it's just posture and making sure my posture's really good from the ground up and allowing my body to just go from there and swing it.'
Whatever the case, it worked. Morikawa topped the field in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and ranked second in SG: Approach. He birdied both par 5s on the front nine at Nos. 5 and 7 and laced a mid-iron at the downhill, 214-yard par-3 8th to inside 5 feet. On the backside, he drilled a 22-foot birdie putt at No. 10 and sandwiched birdies at Nos. 14 and 16 around his lone bogey of the day, taking three putts from 57 feet. Still, it was a crazy good start, his third-lowest score in 18 career rounds at Jack's Place.
By Morikawa's own estimation, he's just flat out crazy, and it didn't take his new caddie, Joe Greiner, long to reach the same conclusion.
'He's already called me crazy a lot. And that's fine. Like, I think golfers are generally crazy. I know I am. I mean, you give me eight weeks off this off-season, you should hear about the amount of things I tried. Just, I mean I had seven different grips, different wraps on my grips, like I was going through it all,' Morikawa said. 'You just give me a little too much time and I just go down rabbit holes.'
The 28-year-old Morikawa's game has been better than most. He is ranked fourth in the world but the six-time Tour winner is winless since October 2023. So, the search to get across the finish line continues.
'I'm in a weird spot right now. I feel like I'm really close, but yet sometimes you don't know what you're searching for. I know it's something small and that's the click that I need to just play free,' he said. 'But it's hard to find that.'
Could Morikawa end his winless drought at the Memorial this week? Nothing crazy about that at all.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Best PGA Tour Tournament Event
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Orlando, FL Photo courtesy of Somchai Sookkasem/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Somchai Sookkasem/iStock by Getty Images Played at beautiful Bay Hill Club and Lodge outside of Orlando, the Arnold Palmer Invitational has been a staple of the PGA Tour since 1979. Due to its invitational status, only the best in the business can compete in this tournament, making it a must-see for golf's most dedicated fans. In-person spectators can learn more about Arnold Palmer's charitable work, take a swing with his clubs or find a shady spot to enjoy a cool drink. AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Pebble Beach, CA Photo courtesy of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Photo courtesy of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has all the glamor you'd expect from California, including celebrity cameos and dramatic Pacific Ocean vistas. While the professional-amateur duos hit the links, spectators can sip cold drinks from the viewing decks or enjoy games in Triangle Plaza. Want to say you played at the tournament? Test your skills on the custom putt-putt course, then snap a photo with a trophy. BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club Owings Mills, MD Photo courtesy of Phonphipat Sukkasem/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Phonphipat Sukkasem/iStock by Getty Images Higher stakes, taller grandstands, larger crowds—everything is bigger at the BMW Championship. One of the final stops on the road to the PGA Tour playoffs, this tournament pits the top 50 competitors chasing the FedExCup head to head. Cave Valley Golf Club's gentle rolling hills provide the perfect base for 20- to 30-foot stands, which are a must when 100K spectators are expected. PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Charlotte, NC Photo courtesy of ImagineGolf/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of ImagineGolf/iStock by Getty Images As a long-time venue to a variety of PGA Tour events, Quail Hollow Club provides a familiar layout for many competitors. But experience on this historic course isn't enough to win the Wanamaker Trophy. This PGA Championship is for pros only, meaning fans can expect closer scores and dramatic finishes, no matter which course hosts this major in any given year. RBC Heritage Hilton Head Island, SC Photo courtesy of William Reagan/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of William Reagan/iStock by Getty Images The RBC Heritage is all about tradition. Not only has the annual competition been hosted by Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island since its inception in 1969, the festivities begin with a parade and a ceremonial tee shot into the adjacent sound (accompanied by a cannon blast, no less). With broadcasts in more than 200 countries and over 100 thousand spectators every year, it's undoubtedly a fan favorite. Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Course Farmingdale, NY Image courtesy of the Ryder Cup Image courtesy of the Ryder Cup Known for its extreme difficulty, the Bethpage State Park Black Course offers the perfect setting for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The best golfers from the US and Europe have faced off in this exhibition tournament since 1927. While no prize money is at stake, pride is, and weekend draws plenty of international coverage and sponsorships. Want to play on the same greens as the pros? Bethpage's courses are open to the public. Texas Children's Houston Open Houston, TX Photo courtesy of mrcmos/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of mrcmos/iStock by Getty Images Following its 2019 renovations, Memorial Park Golf Course has become a premier municipal golf course worthy of pro-level play. Today, the course receives more than 60 thousand visitors a year and is home to the Texas Children's Houston Open. While the competitors vie for coveted FedExCup points on the greens, spectators can support local causes through the on-site Birdies for Charity program. The Masters Augusta, GA Photo courtesy of BCWH/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of BCWH/iStock by Getty Images Excellence is always in full bloom at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. The former plant nursery's 18 holes put professional and amateur golfers from around the globe to the test every April, garnering massive worldwide media attention. Perhaps the most iconic piece of the event is the green jacket ceremony, which recognizes the first-place player as both the winner and an honorary member of the golf club. The Memorial Tournament Dublin, OH Photo courtesy of Willard/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Willard/iStock by Getty Images The Memorial Tournament is Jack Nicklaus' way of giving back, both to the world of golf and his community. Muirfield Village Golf Club, created and designed by Nicklaus, challenges the elite group of invited players, giving spectators an amazing show. Off the greens, the tournament raises money for local charities and holds a special ceremony to honor golfing legends of the past. The Players Championship Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Photo courtesy of Nikolay Amoseev/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Nikolay Amoseev/iStock by Getty Images Sometimes referred to as the "fifth major," the Players Championship was founded by the PGA Tour for the PGA Tour. No amateur players receive invitations for this tournament—the only way in is to qualify. Spectators can expect high levels of gameplay throughout the event as well as stunning views of TPC Sawgrass' greens and waterways. Stadium-style seating ensures no one misses the signature 17th hole. The Sentry Maui, HI Photo courtesy of Mark Tierney/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Mark Tierney/iStock by Getty Images What's the best way to escape a dreary winter? Catching The Sentry in Maui every January! All players who have won a PGA Tour tournament in the previous calendar year are automatically invited, and a select group of qualifying players round out the field for a competitive day on the fairways. The idyllic island and Pacific Ocean views of The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort take the event to next level. Travelers Championship Cromwell, CT Photo courtesy of Travelers Championship Photo courtesy of Travelers Championship Hundreds of thousands of fans flock to TPC River Highlands every year for the Travelers Championship, and it's easy to see why. The course offers plenty of seating options, so spectators can enjoy the gorgeous Connecticut landscape and keep an eye on the action. The tournament also provides plenty of fan amenities, from food trucks and wine tents to air-conditioned spaces with games and activities. U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, PA Photo courtesy of U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club Photo courtesy of U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club History rules at the United States Open Championship when it's played at Oakmont Country Club. Established in 1903, Oakmont takes inspiration from traditional British links courses, making it a perfect fit for hosting a staple event of both the PGA Tour and the PGA European Tour. Fans can see a bit of history for themselves at the USGA Experience and Museum Exhibit, which features balls and clubs from the 20s. Waste Management Phoenix Open Scottsdale, AZ Photo courtesy of iShootPhotosLLC/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of iShootPhotosLLC/iStock by Getty Images Known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," the WM Phoenix Open is not your average golf tournament. The spectators who gather annually at TPC Scottsdale, which frequently number over half a million, bring plenty of energy and are known to loudly cheer and boo players during the lively rounds. And with mild February temperatures and the gorgeous desert landscape, it's a great place to loosen up and watch the pros compete. Zurich Classic of New Orleans Avondale, LA Photo courtesy of PhotoTalk/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of PhotoTalk/iStock by Getty Images Unlike most tournaments on the PGA Tour, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans has a team format, meaning top participating Tour players can choose their partners to navigate TPC Louisiana's challenging fairways and greens. Fans appreciate the shaded grandstand seating along the course and the chance to meet some of their favorite players for autographs. There's even a tailgate zone on the back nine!
NBC Sports
5 hours ago
- NBC Sports
Familiar face subs in as Bryson DeChambeau's caddie for LIV Golf U.K.
Bryson DeChambeau has a familiar face on the bag this week. With his regular caddie, Greg Bodine, taking this week's LIV Golf U.K. event off because of a personal matter, DeChambeau called former longtime looper Tim Tucker from the bullpen, according to Golf Digest's Evin Priest. Tim Tucker is on the bag for Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf UK. His caddie from early pro days to 2021 is just filling in for Greg Bodine, who is off this week for a personal matter. Tucker caddied for DeChambeau from June 2016 to June 2021 with about a half-year split from late 2017 to early 2018. When they parted ways for good on the eve of the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic, DeChambeau's agent, Brett Falkoff, called the decision 'mutual.' Tucker would later admit, 'I made a big mistake in my timing with it.' At the time, Tucker stepped away from caddying to run his luxury shuttle service at Bandon Dunes. He's since caddied for several players, including Kurt Kitayama for Kitayama's win at the 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Scottie Scheffler comparisons might be closer to Jack Nicklaus than Tiger Woods
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — Even with four majors, three legs of the Grand Slam and 20 victories around the world, it's a little early to be making Scottie Scheffler comparisons. And yes, it's a bit silly. But one moment is worth noting. His four-shot victory at the British Open complete, Scheffler saw 15-month-old son Bennett coming toward him on the 18th green at Royal Portrush. The toddler face-planted going up the slope. Scheffler eventually scooped him into his left arm, his right hand holding the claret jug. This was pure joy. It was reminiscent of Canterbury in the 1973 PGA Championship. Jack Nicklaus, who that week broke the record for most major titles, was coming off the 18th green after the second round when 4-year-old son Gary ran out to meet him. The Golden Bear carried off his cub. 'My favorite photo in golf,' Nicklaus said years later in a Facebook post that he ended by saying, 'Family first, golf second.' Sound familiar? 'He plays a lot like I did,' Nicklaus said in late May at the Memorial, and perhaps that's where any similarities should start. Comparisons with Tiger Woods are natural because they are separated by a generation, and no one has been this dominant for such a long stretch since Woods. Scheffler has stayed at No. 1 for the last two years and two months. But their games, their styles, their paths are not all that similar. Everyone saw Woods coming when he was on 'The Mike Douglas Show' at age 2, when he won the Junior Worlds six times and both the U.S. Junior and the U.S. Amateur three straight times. He made a hole-in-one in his pro debut. He won his first PGA Tour event in his fifth start. Scheffler spent his first year as a pro on the Korn Ferry Tour. 'I played with him a lot in college, and he was not that good,' Bryson DeChambeau said with a laugh. He now refers to Scheffler as being 'in a league of his own.' Woods was all about power and putting. Scheffler is fairways and greens. Woods was overwhelming, winning the Masters by 12 shots, the U.S. Open by 15 and the British Open at St. Andrews by eight for the career Grand Slam at age 24. Scheffler is relentless. He can take the drama out of a major without notice. He's the first player to win each of his first four majors by at least three shots since J.H. Taylor more than a century ago, when the British Open was the only major and had fields smaller than a signature event. Nicklaus picked up on this at the Memorial without ever talking to Scheffler about it. Before the tournament, Nicklaus spoke about his approach to golf — more emphasis on the tee shot (left-to-right shape, like Scheffler) and the approach, less dependence on putting for a good score. And when he got the lead, Nicklaus did what was required. Scheffler won that week by four shots. 'Once I got myself into position to win, then you've got to be smart about how you finish it,' Nicklaus said. 'And that's the way he's playing. He reminds me so much of the way I like to play.' Scheffler was quick to point out he was just over one-fourth of the way to matching Woods' 15 majors (and his 82 tour wins, for that matter). Scheffler most likely can never reach his appeal. Woods was special, a corporate dream. He came back to win at Pebble Beach when trailing by seven with seven holes to play. Fans didn't dare turn away without fear of missing a shot they might never see again. Scheffler won the British Open and mentioned Chipotle. He was trying to explain, as he did when he first reached No. 1 in 2022, that golf doesn't define him. That's what was lost in his remarkable monologue earlier in the week at Royal Portrush. The joy comes from getting to play, getting to work, getting better. The goal is to win. And then he goes home to a wife and son. He is about faith, family and then golf. Fame isn't part of the equation. Scheffler mentioned two Chipotle restaurants at home in Dallas. He can no longer go to one of them because he is recognized. At the other one he's just a guy at the counter trying to decide if he wants extra guacamole. 'I try to live as normal of a life as possible because I feel like a normal guy,' he said. 'I have the same friends I had growing up. I don't think that I'm anything special just because some weeks I'm better at shooting a lower score than other guys are.' There was one other Scheffler comparison. Nicklaus doesn't believe he could have achieved all that he did without his wife, Barbara, whom he honored this year at the Memorial and who is universally regarded as the first lady of golf. Nicklaus played his 164th and final major at St. Andrews in 2005 and said that week: 'I'm not really concerned about what my legacy is in relation to the game of golf, frankly. I'm more concerned with what my legacy is with my family, with my kids and my grandkids. That's by far more important to me.' Scheffler's emotions began to pour out at Royal Portrush only when he saw Meredith, the girl he first met as a high school freshman and finally dated as a senior. He made his PGA Tour debut at the Byron Nelson that year at 17. He recalled being at her house the week before when a promotion about the tournament came on TV. Meredith said to him: 'Wait a minute. Isn't that what you're doing?' Scheffler said she's a fast learner. 'Every time I'm able to win a tournament, the first person I always look for is my wife,' he said Sunday. 'She knows me better than anybody. That's my best friend. It takes a lot of work to be able to become good at this game, and I wouldn't be able to do it without her support.' To the rest of golf world, he's the No. 1 player in the world, now the 'champion golfer of the year.' Fame won't escape him now even if it doesn't define him. ___ On The Fringe analyzes the biggest topics in golf during the season. ___ AP golf:
