Collin Morikawa's Masters Participation Uncertain Amid Back Injury Recovery Collin Morikawa is navigating a challenging period as he grapples with a lingering back injury that has forced him to withdraw from recent tournaments and cast doubt over his participation in the Masters. The 29-year-old American, known for his consistent performances on the PGA Tour, revealed on Monday that he is “taking it day by day” as he works to recover from the injury that ended his THE PLAYERS Championship and threatens to derail his chances at Augusta National. Morikawa’s withdrawal from THE PLAYERS Championship came after he pulled out of the event after just one hole of his first round, citing a back injury. He had been scheduled to compete in last week’s Valero Texas Open but withdrew before the event began, leaving his Masters eligibility in question. The PGA Tour has not yet confirmed whether he will be allowed to compete in the tournament, which begins on Thursday. “I’m not exactly where I want to be, and it’s unfortunate, but that’s just the body, and I can’t push it,” Morikawa said during a nine-hole practice round alongside Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young. “It’s been a little bit of a mental battle, trying to trust where it’s at. The back actually feels fine. It’s just other parts of the body not cooperating how I want.” Morikawa did not specify which parts of his body were affected but hinted at a connection between his recent back spasms at TPC Sawgrass and his current struggles. He emphasized the psychological toll of the injury, noting that past injuries sustained in the gym had never interfered with his ability to play golf. However, injuries incurred during actual competition present a different challenge.#collin_morikawa #the_players_championship #augusta_national_golf_club #valero_texas_open #at_t_Pebble_Beach_ProAm
‘Never felt this nervous’: Inside Collin Morikawa’s jittery Masters round Collin Morikawa’s first round at the 2026 Masters was marked by a mix of determination and uncertainty. The 28-year-old, entering his seventh Masters tournament, faced a unique challenge: his last competitive swing had been a practice shot at the Players Championship just weeks earlier. During that event, Morikawa had gripped his lower back after a second tee shot at TPC Sawgrass, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament. The injury, which left him unable to swing through his follow-through, raised serious questions about his ability to compete at Augusta National. Despite the setback, Morikawa refused to let his injury derail his Masters week. He described his back as “actually feeling fine” but acknowledged that other parts of his body were struggling to cooperate. “It’s just a trust thing,” he said, explaining that his legs lacked confidence in supporting his usual swing mechanics. The physical discomfort was compounded by the mental toll of playing under the intense scrutiny of the Masters, where every shot is scrutinized and every mistake amplified. Morikawa’s preparation for the tournament was unconventional. In his Monday practice round, he limited himself to chip shots, avoiding full swings to minimize strain on his injured back. On Tuesday, he played nine holes, then another nine on Wednesday, gradually building his stamina. By Thursday, the day of his first round, he admitted to feeling “never felt this nervous in my life.” The nerves weren’t about the pressure of the Masters—his 25th major start—but the fear of his back giving out again. “There’s a certain doubt factor of, like, is this going to happen, is this not?” he said. The physical limitations were evident in his performance.#players_championship #tpc_sawgrass #collin_morikawa #masters_tournament #augusta_national
Collin Morikawa Returns at Masters, 'Never Felt This Nervous' AUGUSTA, Ga. — Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion with a storied career in golf, faced an unexpected challenge as he returned to the Masters this year. Despite his extensive experience in high-stakes tournaments, Morikawa admitted to feeling an unprecedented level of anxiety before the opening round of the 90th Masters. The 29-year-old, who has previously claimed victories in the PGA Championship and Open Championship, described his nerves as the most intense he had ever experienced, even surpassing his usual pre-tournament jitters. Morikawa’s anxiety began the day he woke up, a stark contrast to his usual composure. “I’ve never felt this nervous in my life,” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment. While he had competed in numerous major championships and other high-profile events, the unique circumstances of this Masters week—marked by a recent back injury—added an extra layer of uncertainty. The injury occurred during the first round of the Players Championship on March 12, when he was forced to withdraw after just one hole. Since then, Morikawa had only completed two nine-hole practice rounds at Augusta National Golf Club, leaving him with limited time to prepare for the tournament. The physical and mental toll of his injury became evident during his opening round. Morikawa posted a 2-over 74, a score he described as the “toughest round I’ve ever played.” The round was marred by four bogeys and two birdies, with the golfer struggling to find rhythm and confidence. “I’m just fighting,” he said, emphasizing the internal battle he was facing. “It’s a battle. I don’t think I’ve been able to get comfortable out there and trust the entire body.#arnold_palmer_invitational #players_championship #collin_morikawa #masters_tournament #augusta_national_golf_club
Large-Field GPP Breakdown: Valspar Championship Last week marked a modest but satisfying return to positive results in the golf DFS landscape, with several players securing cash payouts and a handful of Discord members achieving notable success. The focus remained on classic and R4 formats, as the golf community continued its push toward The Masters, which looms on the horizon. Despite the excitement surrounding Augusta National, there are still three major events left on the schedule before the tournament begins. The upcoming Florida swing will feature one more tournament before two events in Texas, which some have questioned as being somewhat out of place. However, as one Discord member aptly noted, the primary goal remains securing $200,000 for first place, and that’s a tournament worth chasing. The Players Championship provided a solid foundation for the week, with the author managing to secure Main Event tickets for The Masters while also cashing in the top 15 of the Driver category. While the results weren’t a dominant win, the ability to generate value was a welcome relief. The tournament’s dynamics were influenced by Rory McIlroy’s injury, which left him largely unowned in most contests due to the perceived risk of investing in an injured player. This shift in ownership led to increased demand for Collin Morikawa, who faced his own setback early in the week when a back issue forced him to withdraw from the event. Despite this, Morikawa still managed to finish in the top 40%, a performance that highlighted the unpredictability of the sport. The week’s events also underscored the growing role of casual players in major tournaments like The Players Championship, the four majors, and other high-profile events.#rory_mcilroy #collin_morikawa #the_players_championship #ludvig_aberg #valspar_championship
2026 Masters Odds, Picks, and Field: PGA Tour Predictions from a Proven Model The 2026 Masters Tournament, set to take place at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, has drawn significant attention as three players aim to complete the career grand slam. Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Brooks Koepka have each won two of the other majors and now face the chance to secure their fourth major title. The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Scottie Scheffler as the +430 favorite, followed by Rory McIlroy at +850 and Ludvig Aberg at +1100. Other notable contenders include Bryson DeChambeau (+1600), Jon Rahm (+1300), and Schauffele (+1600). Tiger Woods, who has not ruled out participation, is a +25000 longshot. A sophisticated computer model, developed by DFS pro Mike McClure, has simulated the 2026 Masters 10,000 times and produced surprising insights. The model, which has accurately predicted 16 major championships, including the 2025 Masters and this year’s PGA and Open Championships, is now offering its projections for the 2026 event. The model’s analysis suggests that Schauffele, despite his status as a favorite, may struggle. His recent performance on the PGA Tour has been inconsistent, with a missed cut in his first event and a 41st-place finish in his second. His putting has regressed, ranking 76th in total putting compared to third in 2024 when he won two majors. Additionally, his record at Augusta National has been mixed, with more missed cuts than top-fives over the past four years. In contrast, the model is highly confident in Collin Morikawa, despite his +2700 odds. Morikawa, who already has a PGA Championship and Open Championship, has a strong history at the Masters.#brooks_koepka #xander_schauffele #collin_morikawa #augusta_national_golf_club #mike_mcclure
Collin Morikawa’s odds to win the 2026 British Open are listed at +3300, making him one of the top contenders in the field. The odds for other notable players include Scottie Scheffler at +400, Rory McIlroy at +800, Jon Rahm at +1200, and Tommy Fleetwood at +1400. Bryson DeChambeau is at +1600, while Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Aberg are priced at +1800 and +2200 respectively. Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre are at +2500 and +2800, with Viktor Hovland also at +2800. Other players such as Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Shane Lowry share the +3300 line, while Justin Thomas is at +4000. The list continues with higher odds for players like Chris Gotterup, Brooks Koepka, and Hideki Matsuyama, all at +4500 and +5000. Morikawa has a strong history in The Open Championship, with five career appearances. His most notable achievement came in 2021 when he won the tournament at Royal St. George’s. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a top-tier golfer. In addition to his Open Championship success, Morikawa has also claimed the 2020 PGA Championship and finished third at the 2024 Masters, further highlighting his competitive edge on the global stage. The article also notes that Morikawa’s performance in the 2026 British Open will be closely watched, given his track record and current odds. Fans and bettors are encouraged to follow the latest updates and developments as the tournament approaches. BetMGM, the sportsbook mentioned, offers live betting opportunities for golf enthusiasts, including detailed odds for the British Open. New users are invited to check their eligibility for a welcome offer, while the platform emphasizes responsible gambling practices. The content provided is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #jon_rahm #collin_morikawa #british_open
Akshay Bhatia springs up PGA Tour money list after Arnold Palmer win The PGA Tour is in full swing, with the Players Championship set to begin at Ponte Vedra, Florida, offering a potential shakeup to the money list. Akshay Bhatia’s recent victory at the Arnold Palmer Classic has propelled him into the top tier of earnings, solidifying his position as a key contender in the season’s standings. The latest rankings, updated following the Arnold Palmer Invitational, highlight Bhatia’s strong performance. He secured the second spot on the money list with earnings of $5,448,680, narrowly trailing Jacob Bridgeman, who topped the chart with $5,477,960. Collin Morikawa followed in third place with $5,065,472, while Chris Gotterup and Scottie Scheffler rounded out the top five. Bhatia’s rise to the second position marks a significant milestone in his career. His victory at the Arnold Palmer Classic not only added a major tournament win to his resume but also bolstered his earnings, placing him among the elite earners on the PGA Tour. The competition for the top spots remains fierce, with several players closely vying for the lead. The money list reflects the competitive nature of the tour, with notable gaps between the top earners and those further down the rankings. Min Woo Lee, Daniel Berger, and Nico Echavarria occupy the next tier, each earning over $2.3 million. Rory McIlroy and Hideki Matsuyama also remain in the top 15, showcasing the depth of talent across the tour. As the Players Championship approaches, the rankings could shift dramatically. The tournament, known for its high stakes and strong field, presents an opportunity for players to climb the money list.#pga_tour #players_championship #akshay_bhatia #arnold_palmer_classic #collin_morikawa
