Collin Morikawa picked up something else just as he was about to take up his clubs in the last week of December to start getting ready for 2022.
COVID-19.
The coronavirus threw the world No. 2 off-kilter and behind schedule, already smarting from squandering a five-shot, 54-hole lead with a final-round 76 and finished in a tie for fifth place at the Hero World Challenge earlier in December.
The season came to a close on a sour note. One in which he won his second major at Royal St. George’s, became the first American to win the Race to Dubai by winning the DP World Tour Championship, won his first WGC title at the Concession, and went 3-0-1 in his Ryder Cup debut, securing the U.S. victory on Sunday.
However, his health – and appetite – are in good shape as he prepares for the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, just 35 miles from his childhood home. Especially when Riviera catches his eye and two of his favorite eateries, Tsujita Annex (“Just be ready to nap,” he quipped) and Killer Noodle, are within walking distance.
He described the place where he’ll be spending the week as “simply extremely comfy.”
He’s now back to feeling at ease on the course. Morikawa, 25, headed to the Middle East following a surprise tie for fifth in the year-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions just 15 days after acquiring COVID-19. He tied for 62nd in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and 18th in the Dubai Desert Classic.
“It was just that I didn’t have it.” The game didn’t feel right, and neither did my body. That occurs from time to time, and I needed a complete reset,” Morikawa said following a practice round on Tuesday. “Coach came out last week, straightened out a few things, and I’m feeling great right now.” So my confidence is back, I’m delighted to be back in Los Angeles, and I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone and playing some fantastic golf.”
At Riviera, he has failed to accomplish so. Despite claiming that the Genesis course is one of his favorites in the world, Morikawa has finished in ties for 26th and 43rd in his two appearances.
He admitted, “I’ve just made a lot of mistakes.” “For me, it’s just that at this stage in the season, I tend to make too many errors.” Normally, I do that in the fall and gradually become aware of it till, by the time I go to (The) Players (Championship in March), I’m like, OK, wake up. It’s basically a learning experience, and you have to be ready every week to find out what sort of golfer you are. You can’t be ready in April, June, or October, or any other month for that matter. Every time I tee it up, you have to be ready.”
Despite having just completed his finest season on the PGA Tour, a bitter taste from 2021 lingers. Although no official announcement has been made, it has been reported that Morikawa placed 11th in the $40 million Player Impact Program for 2021, which pays out exclusively to the top ten players. This year’s top ten players will get a reward of $50 million.
Morikawa joked that his lucky number would be changed from 5 to 11. He added the word “Co11in” to his social network bios. When asked about the matter during his news appearance, he was clearly upset.
“How do I respond to this?” I’m trying to think of anything, because how many other leagues or sports pay the top ten players for their contributions to the game?” he stated “Now, this is both a good and a negative thing because I believe, you know, do men deserve more?” Do guys who have made a meaningful difference, who have produced what we’ve done for the game, deserve more? Isn’t that correct? They’ve transformed our game, which is continuously developing and evolving, and they’ve made it more accessible to more people, which is the most important thing.
“However, $50 million?” That seems insane to me; $50 million to the best ten players who can have an impact on the game.”
He also grouped the new program, which pays any golfer $50,000 if he participates in 15 PGA Tour events this season. Another $10 million, according to Morikawa.
“I don’t think that’s the best use of $60 million,” he continued, “but I don’t have a solution.” “I should probably start thinking about it because I am now in a position where I can help out and speak my views, hopefully being heard.” I’m not sure whether there are any additional options, but there has to be something. It’s insane to give out that much money.”
Best bets for the Genesis Invitational
When it comes to crazy money, Morikawa was asked about a prospective Saudi Arabia-backed Super League that would pay out excessive guaranteed money to players and would be a direct competitor to the PGA Tour. While Morikawa has stated that he has been approached, he is awaiting further information.
He stated, “I’m all for the PGA Tour.” “Has it opened things up for us as professional golfers to look at what we can do better on the PGA Tour?” Absolutely. We’ve seen a lot of changes, some good, some bad, and others that will undoubtedly be amended as time passes.
“Right now, if you look at the greatest players I see, they’re all on the PGA Tour, and that’s where I’m kind of staying and where I belong.”
“I need concrete evidence before I can start thinking about other tours, leagues, or whatever you want to call it.” Isn’t it true that I need to be able to see a sheet in front of me and know what’s going on? And, as far as I know, I have no idea what’s out there. All I’ve heard are rumors and gossip, which is difficult to achieve, right? I’m still willing to learn since I’m curious about what’s out there.
“I’d like to hear the specifics as well.”
At the moment, he’s focused on Riviera and two of his favorite eateries. And accepting the title trophy from Tiger Woods, the tournament’s host.
