Collin Morikawa Battles Mental Demons at 2026 Masters

Morikawa shot a 2-over 74 in the first round of the Masters, marking his return to competitive golf after withdrawing from The Players Championship.

The golfer reported that his back spasms left mental scars, causing nervousness and discomfort despite the absence of physical pain. He said he was more nervous on Thursday than at any major in his career.

He struggled with trusting his body, particularly his legs, which affected his swing and power. Before the injury he was hitting the ball comfortably but is now tentative.

Morikawa emphasized the mental aspect of the game, noting that his head got in the way and created doubt.

Q: What was Collin Morikawa's score in the first round of the 2026 Masters?

Q: Why did Morikawa describe the round as the toughest he's ever played?

Q: Was Morikawa experiencing physical pain during the round?

Mental recovery is as important as physical recovery for athletes.

Trust in one's body is crucial for optimal performance in golf and other sports.

Even top athletes face mental challenges that can impact their game.

Morikawa's experience shows the resilience required to compete at the highest level despite setbacks.