Collin Morikawa faces an uphill battle as he prepares for his sixth Masters appearance, dealing with lingering back issues that have disrupted his recent tournament schedule.
The world's No. 7 player has been hitting balls for about a week after dealing with a back injury, though he remains cautious about his physical condition heading into Thursday's opening round 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 winner's recent struggles began at The Players Championship, where he withdrew after just one hole due to back spasms. He subsequently skipped the Texas Open last week, opting instead for treatment to prepare for Augusta.
Despite his physical challenges, Morikawa confirmed his intention to compete. "I'm not exactly where I want to be," he admitted, "but I plan to be standing on the first tee box for my sixth Masters on Thursday."
The California native acknowledged the difficulty of competing at less than full strength at such a demanding venue. "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 will be grouped with former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley for Thursday's opening round. The trio represents one of several compelling groups as the field prepares for the year's first major championship.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the late wave of tee times, playing alongside Robert MacIntyre, who tied for second at last week's Texas Open, and Gary Woodland, whose recent comeback story includes a victory in Houston.
The defending champion and other featured groups will begin their rounds in the late morning, with most marquee pairings teeing off around 10:30 a.m. local time.
Morikawa's situation highlights the physical demands of professional golf and the challenge of competing at golf's highest level while managing injury concerns. His approach to Augusta will likely require strategic course management and careful physical preparation.
The Masters has historically rewarded players who can adapt their games to the unique challenges of Augusta National. Morikawa's experience at the venue, combined with his major championship pedigree, could prove valuable as he navigates both the course and his physical limitations.
As Thursday's opening round approaches, all eyes will be on whether Morikawa can overcome his physical challenges and contend for his third major championship. His ability to find alternative ways to navigate Augusta National may prove crucial to his chances of adding a green jacket to his collection.