Collin Morikawa Withdraw, Why did Morikawa Withdraw from the Memorial Tournament?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jun 05, 2023
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa is a highly accomplished American professional golfer who has made a significant impact on the PGA Tour. He began his PGA Tour career with an impressive streak of 22 consecutive made cuts, second only to Tiger Woods' record of 25 cuts. Morikawa has already secured five PGA Tour victories, including two major championships: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, winning both titles in his debut appearances.
In May 2018, Morikawa held the top position in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for three weeks, showcasing his exceptional skills and potential. He also made history as the first American golfer to claim victory in the Race to Dubai on the European Tour.
During his collegiate years at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2015 to 2019, Morikawa showcased his talent by earning five victories, including the 2019 Pac-12 Conference Championship. He also achieved success in various prestigious amateur tournaments such as the Western Junior, Trans-Mississippi Amateur, Sunnehanna Amateur, and Northeast Amateur. Morikawa's exceptional golfing abilities contributed to triumphs as a member of the winning Arnold Palmer Cup team in 2017 and 2018, the victorious Walker Cup team in 2017, and his participation in the Eisenhower Trophy team in 2018, which finished a close second by just one stroke.
Morikawa turned professional in 2019, making his debut at the 2019 Travelers Championship, where he finished tied for 48th place. He made his first cut at the 2019 Open Championship, securing a tied 55th-place finish. In his rookie season, he achieved two top-10 finishes and earned a total of $1.1 million in prize money.
The year 2020 marked a breakthrough for Morikawa, as he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. He then made history by winning the 2020 PGA Championship, becoming the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to capture a major championship in their debut appearance. Morikawa concluded the season ranked No. 6 in the world, further solidifying his position among the golfing elite.
Continuing his success in 2021, Morikawa once again made history by winning the 2021 Open Championship, becoming the first player since Ben Hogan in 1953 to secure two major championships in their debut appearances. He also emerged victorious at the WGC-Match Play Championship and the British Masters. At the end of the season, Morikawa held the No. 3 ranking in the world, reaffirming his status as one of the sport's top players.
Morikawa is widely recognized for his exceptional skills on the golf course, including his remarkable driving distance, accuracy off the tee, and ability to hit greens in regulation. His proficient putting has also played a pivotal role in his tournament victories.
Beyond his golfing achievements, Morikawa is admired for his humility and willingness to engage with fans. He serves as a role model for aspiring golfers and frequently provides guidance and tips to amateur players.
At only 25 years old, Morikawa is already considered a rising star in the golfing world. With two major championships under his belt, he possesses the potential to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Collin Morikawa Withdraw
Collin Morikawa, a talented rising star in the professional golf world, has encountered setbacks due to recurring back issues. Unfortunately, just moments before his final round tee time at the Memorial Tournament, Morikawa had to withdraw due to back spasms. This was a disappointment for Morikawa, as he had performed well in the previous round, finishing tied for ninth and remaining in contention for the tournament.
Back problems have plagued Morikawa in the past, leading to tournament withdrawals and the need for medical treatment. Despite these challenges, Morikawa has shown remarkable resilience and continues to establish himself as a dominant presence in the golfing realm.
In 2020, Morikawa burst onto the scene by winning the PGA Championship, becoming only the fourth player in history to achieve this feat before the age of 24. He further solidified his position among the elite by triumphing at The Open Championship in 2021.
Morikawa's withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on professional golfers and the significance of prioritizing one's health. Fans eagerly await updates on Morikawa's condition and remain hopeful for his swift recovery and eventual return to the golf course.
However, Morikawa's form seemed off during the week, particularly after his incredible hole-out on the 18th during Friday's round. He appeared visibly exhausted on camera, contrasting his usual cheerful demeanor.
During warm-up, the coverage captured Morikawa stretching his back. Later, he was seen walking away with a small backpack on his shoulder, indicating something was amiss. Morikawa explained to the media that while attempting quick and low-reflex exercises, he injured his back in an unusual manner. This was the most severe back issue he had ever encountered, especially without any prior warming up or pre-round activities. It was disappointing for him as it marked the first tournament withdrawal in his entire career.
Morikawa's presence in the competition was significant, considering he was among the notable contenders aiming to catch up with the leaders at 6-under. The official reason cited for his withdrawal was back spasms, which can severely impact a golfer's swing.
Why Did Morikawa Withdraw From The Memorial Tournament?
Collin Morikawa, who was just two shots off the lead, made the unfortunate decision to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday due to back spasms. Before his scheduled tee time at 12:55 p.m., Morikawa experienced discomfort while stretching and felt a muscle in his lower back give out.
He explained that he was attempting reflex exercises, reaching down quickly and low, when the injury occurred in an unusual manner. Morikawa expressed his frustration, as he had never experienced such severe back spasms before, especially without any prior warm-up or pre-round activities. It was a disappointing situation for him.
As a result of his withdrawal, Morikawa's playing partner, Keegan Bradley, will now compete as a single player. Morikawa mentioned that the last time he had back issues was during his college days, but this current episode felt different. He described it as a sudden, random spasm that caused him to crash to the ground. It wasn't a lingering pain throughout his body, but rather an isolated back spasm. He attempted to hit a few shots but struggled, chunking a 9-iron around 95 yards, indicating that he was not fit to compete at Muirfield Village.
Morikawa's withdrawal from the tournament was undoubtedly disappointing for both him and his fans, as he had been in a strong position to challenge for victory. Collin Morikawa, who was tied for ninth place and just two shots behind the leaders after the third round, was a strong contender in the tournament. However, his history of back problems resurfaced, leading to his withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament. It appears that back spasms were the cause of his decision to pull out of the competition.
Morikawa Memorial Tournament
Collin Morikawa's decision to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament was a disappointing turn of events for his fans, who were eagerly anticipating his performance on the final day of the tournament. The young golfer had showcased his talent and skill throughout the first three rounds, putting him in contention for top placement.
Morikawa's rise to success in the world of golf has been impressive. In 2020, he made a memorable debut by winning the PGA Championship, making him only the fourth player in history to achieve this feat before the age of 24. He continued to make waves by securing a victory at The Open Championship in 2021, solidifying his status among the sport's elite players.
However, Morikawa's journey has not been without obstacles. As mentioned earlier, he has faced back problems in the past, and this recent setback underscores the physical demands that professional golf places on athletes. The duration of Morikawa's recovery from his back spasms remains uncertain, but his fans eagerly await his return to the course, where they hope to see him competing at his highest level once again.
Morikawa's withdrawal serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the crucial importance of prioritizing health and injury prevention in any athletic pursuit. With Morikawa's absence, the Memorial Tournament becomes wide open, and top players like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Patrick Cantlay will now vie for the lead at 13 under par. The ultimate outcome of the tournament will be determined during Sunday afternoon's final round
Collin Morikawa Withdraw - FAQs
Collin Morikawa withdrew from the tournament due to back spasms.
Yes, Morikawa has faced back problems in the past.
Morikawa was in contention for the tournament, tied for ninth place and two shots behind the leaders after the third round.
Morikawa's withdrawal leaves the tournament more open as one less player competes on the final day.
Morikawa has won five PGA Tour events, including two major championships: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship.