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Collin Morikawa Battles Mental Demons at 2026 Masters | Myrtle Beach Classic 2026: Round 1 Tee Times, Weather Suspension, and Key Highlights | Rory McIlroy: 'More Motivated' Than Ever After Masters Win | PGA Championship 2026: Stars, Field, and Economic Impact | Ryan Ruffels Makes PGA Tour Comeback Fueled by YouTube Success | ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic 2026: Predictions, Odds, and Key Players | Jon Rahm Navigates LIV Golf Uncertainty and DP World Tour Return | Bryson DeChambeau Plans YouTube Pivot if LIV Golf Ends | Cameron Young Wins Cadillac Championship 2026 | Collin Morikawa Battles Mental Demons at 2026 Masters | Myrtle Beach Classic 2026: Round 1 Tee Times, Weather Suspension, and Key Highlights | Rory McIlroy: 'More Motivated' Than Ever After Masters Win | PGA Championship 2026: Stars, Field, and Economic Impact | Ryan Ruffels Makes PGA Tour Comeback Fueled by YouTube Success | ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic 2026: Predictions, Odds, and Key Players | Jon Rahm Navigates LIV Golf Uncertainty and DP World Tour Return | Bryson DeChambeau Plans YouTube Pivot if LIV Golf Ends | Cameron Young Wins Cadillac Championship 2026

Golf / PGA

Collin Morikawa Battles Mental Demons at 2026 Masters

Collin Morikawa, returning to the PGA Tour at the 2026 Masters after recovering from back spasms, faced unexpected mental challenges. Despite being pain-free, the aftereffects of his injury led to a difficult first round, which he described...

‘Toughest round I’ve ever played': Collin Morikawa battles mental demons in Masters first round
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Collin Morikawa Battles Mental Demons at 2026 Masters Image via PGA Tour

Key Insights

  • 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.

In-Depth Analysis

Morikawa's return to the Masters was highly anticipated, but the mental hurdles he faced highlight the significant impact injuries can have on an athlete's performance, even after physical recovery. His struggles with trust in his body underscore the importance of mental fortitude in golf. While his long game was a concern after range practice, adrenaline helped, but some drives were still described as 'little dinks.' Despite the challenges, Morikawa is determined to grind it out for the remaining rounds, hoping to find luck and improve his game. His experience reflects the broader challenges athletes face in overcoming both physical and psychological barriers after injuries.

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FAQ

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

Morikawa shot a 2-over 74.

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

Because of the mental challenges and lack of trust in his body due to the aftereffects of back spasms.

Was Morikawa experiencing physical pain during the round?

No, he said he wasn't in pain, but he was dealing with discomfort and mental unease.

Takeaways

  • 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.

Discussion

Do you think Morikawa will overcome his mental demons and improve his performance in the upcoming rounds? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

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