Collin Morikawa Faces Nerves in Tense Masters Round
Collin Morikawa arrived at Augusta for the 90th Masters carrying uncertainty after a recent back injury. He withdrew from the Players Championship and from the Valero Texas Open. Yet he chose to compete this week despite concerns.
How the injury happened
The problem began with a practice swing at TPC Sawgrass last month. Morikawa grabbed his lower back and could not continue. He later said he could not swing through the pain.
After the withdrawal, questions arose about his status for Augusta. He reported his back felt fine on Monday but other parts were not cooperating.
Adjusting the preparation
Morikawa altered his practice plan to protect his body. On Monday he hit only chip shots. He then played nine holes on Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday.
He said chipping and putting were sharp. Full shots had returned last week, but shot selection remained limited.
Physical and mental challenges
Morikawa acknowledged nerves and trust issues with his body. He called the feeling unusually nervous before his round. His legs did not feel fully under him.
He described a “trust factor” more than a strength loss. Adrenaline and uncertainty compounded the issue.
Context and experience
This was his seventh Masters start and his 25th major appearance. That experience did not erase the worry about re-injury. The greens and conditions at Augusta heightened the pressure.
How the opening round unfolded
He began steadily with six straight pars. A missed fairway at the par-4 7th led to a front bunker and a bogey.
Morikawa added another bogey at the ninth after missing the green long and right. On the back nine he made birdies at 10 and 13.
He also dropped shots at 11 and 14. He finished with a 74 and sat 41st as of this writing.
- Opening score: 74
- Position after round: 41st
- Masters starts: 7
- Major starts: 25
Strategy and outlook
His drives lacked their usual pop. Firm course conditions helped him recover shots. He played conservatively and accepted conservative outcomes.
Morikawa said he was proud to post a score. Getting through the round felt like a positive step.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
