What changes did Collin Morikawa make at the Rocket Classic?
Morikawa changed his putter to a TaylorMade prototype mallet and is using a temporary caddie, KK Limbhasut.
Yanuki
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Golf / PGA Tour
Collin Morikawa's Adjustments Lead to Improved Performance at Rocket Classic
Collin Morikawa, the world No. 5, has been on a quest to rediscover his winning form. Recent adjustments, including a caddie change and a new putter, appear to be paying off at the Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Key Insights
- Morikawa switched to a prototype TaylorMade mallet putter, similar to one he used in college, featuring a Diamana shaft and higher MOI.
- He parted ways with caddie Joe Greiner and is using college friend KK Limbhasut as a temporary caddie.
- Morikawa is focusing on accepting his current shot shape rather than forcing his usual cut, leading to improved iron play.
- Despite early putting struggles, a mid-tournament putter change helped him gain three strokes on the greens during the second round.
In-Depth Analysis
Morikawa's recent struggles have been notable, with a dip in form following a T10 finish at the Players Championship. He has been actively searching for solutions, experimenting with different putters and even hitting shots without a glove to regain his feel.
The Rocket Classic saw Morikawa initially struggling, particularly on the greens, leading him to describe his putting as 'like a blind man.' However, a switch to a TaylorMade prototype mallet putter, reminiscent of his college days, sparked a turnaround. This putter, crafted in the TaylorMade Putter Lab, features a steel body/hosel and an aluminum sole plate, tailored to match Morikawa's setup.
In addition to the putter change, Morikawa has adjusted his approach to iron play, focusing on the shot he currently has rather than forcing his preferred cut. This acceptance has led to improved performance, ranking first in Strokes Gained: Approach during the tournament.
Morikawa acknowledges that his focus on improving ball-striking has come at the expense of his putting practice. Addressing this balance will be crucial for sustained success.
FAQ
Why did Morikawa change his putter?
He struggled with putting in previous tournaments and sought a change to improve his confidence on the greens.
How is Morikawa adapting his iron play?
He is accepting his current shot shape instead of forcing his usual cut, leading to improved accuracy and performance.
Takeaways
- Adaptability is key: Morikawa's willingness to make changes demonstrates the importance of adapting to challenges in golf and other fields.
- Focus on strengths: By focusing on his iron play and accepting his current shot shape, Morikawa has seen immediate improvements.
- Continuous improvement: Even top-ranked players need to continuously refine their game to stay competitive.
Discussion
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