AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — After a week of practice, Collin Morikawa is optimistic about his chances at the Masters, despite ongoing struggles with his back. The two-time major champion has been dealing with back issues and stated, "I'm not exactly where I want to be," but he intends to start his sixth Masters on Thursday.
Morikawa's recent troubles led him to withdraw from The Players Championship after just one hole due to back spasms, forcing him to miss the Texas Open last week. Choosing to focus on treatment, he hopes to be in good form at Augusta National.
"It's unfortunate, but that's just the body, and I can't push it," Morikawa explained. He admitted that while his back feels fine, other parts of his body are not quite cooperating as he would like. "It's been a little bit of a mental battle, I think, just trying to trust with where it's at."
In his previous appearances at the Masters, Morikawa has made the cut every time and has finished in the top 10 three times, including a third-place tie in 2024. Reflecting on the pressure of competing at such a prestigious venue, Morikawa noted, "This isn’t a place where you want to be uncomfortable, but sometimes you’ve got to find other ways to get around a golf course. It’s a work in progress. But each day just staying positive, trying to get through it."
As the golf community eagerly anticipates the Masters, Scottie Scheffler recently celebrated the birth of his second child, Remy. Scheffler, who is also one of the top-ranked players, shared their approach to parenting. He stated, “There’s no reason that my kids need to be on TV or on my Instagram or whatever it is. I feel like my kids need to have a normal upbringing, or as normal as I can, and we’ll go from there.”
Tee times for the Masters have been set, with John Keefer and Haotong Li kicking off the tournament shortly after the ceremonial first tee shots by legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. The defending champion, Rory McIlroy, will tee off at 10:31 a.m. local time with rising star Cameron Young and U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell.
Morikawa will find himself in a group that includes former champion Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley. World No. 1 Scheffler will take the course with Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland, who recently made a notable comeback with a win two weeks ago in Houston.
Amid the excitement of the Masters, players are adjusting to various challenges. Bryson DeChambeau reflected on the recent changes in his approach to the game, saying, "It's comforting for sure. But MP last week, Michael was great. He did a fantastic job. I just played terrible. I did not have my golf swing… Hopefully keep that train roll."
As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly await how Morikawa's recovery and the performances of the top contenders will shape the leaderboard. With history and prestige on the line, the Masters promises to deliver another remarkable chapter in the world of golf.