Collin Morikawa is preparing for his sixth Masters appearance while managing lingering back issues that forced him to withdraw early from The Players Championship last month.
The world No. 7 player has been hitting practice balls for approximately one week after dealing with back spasms that ended his tournament after just one hole at TPC Sawgrass. Despite the setback, Morikawa confirmed his intention to compete when the Masters begins Thursday at Augusta National.
"It's unfortunate," Morikawa said, "but that's just the body, and I can't push it. It's been a little bit of a mental battle, I think, just trying to trust with where it's at. The back actually feels fine. It's just other parts of the body not cooperating a little bit how I want."
The two-time major champion skipped last week's Texas Open to focus on treatment and preparation for Augusta National. His cautious approach appears to be paying dividends as he works toward full fitness.
"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," he said. "It's a work in progress. But each day just staying positive, trying to get through it."
Morikawa acknowledged he's "not exactly where I want to be" physically but expressed confidence about his Masters prospects. He has made the cut in each of his five previous Augusta National appearances, including a tie for third in 2024 and three other top-10 finishes.
"I felt fine in warm-up. Like nothing's been any signs of back problems. And teed it up on 11, and took one practice swing, and I just knew it was gone," Morikawa explained about his Players Championship withdrawal. "Like I just had the feeling before when it's happened. And I just, I can't swing through it. Trust me, I would play if I could."
The timing adds another layer of difficulty as Morikawa seeks his third major championship. Augusta National's demanding layout requires precise shot-making and full physical commitment, particularly on the longer par-5 holes where scoring opportunities arise.
Morikawa will be grouped with former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley for Thursday's opening round. The trio represents a compelling mix of international talent and proven Augusta National performers.
Henley has been working on specific aspects of his game heading into the week, particularly his bunker play around Augusta's challenging greens.
"I had a really nice up-and-down on 6, I guess my 15th hole, from the left bunker," Henley said about his recent practice. "That's something that I've felt uncomfortable with a little bit this year is my bunker play, and I've been working on it pretty hard and it was good to see that one go in there tight."
The Masters field will be led by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who recently welcomed his second child and discussed balancing family life with his golf career. Defending champion Rory McIlroy headlines another featured group alongside Cameron Young and U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell.
The opening round begins Thursday morning with ceremonial tee shots from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, followed by the competitive field. Morikawa's pairing with Matsuyama and Henley is scheduled to tee off in the middle portion of the draw, giving him additional time for final preparations.
