Collin Morikawa Faces Toughest Masters Opening Round Ever

Collin Morikawa arrived at Augusta National carrying back issues and uncertainty. The 29-year-old opened the 2026 Masters first round with a 2-over 74 on April 9.

Injury disrupted preparation

Morikawa withdrew from the Players Championship after wrenched his back during a practice swing. He practiced sparingly in the days before the Masters. He said he could not hit at full speed for more than a week.

Challenging opening round

The scorecard showed 74, two over par. He described the round as a fight and his nerves as severe. He said doubt about the back crept in every shot.

On-course mindset

Morikawa reported he woke up unusually nervous that morning. He called the experience a battle to trust his body. When he teed off on Tuesday, he admitted uncertainty about even making clean contact.

Career context

Morikawa burst onto the major stage with wins at the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open. He has not added another major since those victories. The veteran now faces recovery and form questions at Augusta.

Filmogaz.com will follow his progress through the tournament. The player aims to manage his back while trying to move up the leaderboard.