Collin Morikawa doesn’t look like a two-time major champion in 2024.
Other than a top-10 finish at Sentry in early January, the former California Golden Bear has struggled to find any momentum. His iron play (usually his specialty) isn’t up to his standards, and neither is his overall play.
Still, Morikawa shot a 2-under 70 in tough conditions on Friday to climb onto the Masters leaderboard.
“I found something [in my swing] We’re just sticking with it early on Monday,” Morikawa said.
“It’s not perfect yet, but it doesn’t have to be. I can play good golf and I can plan around this golf course. I’m really patient outside, especially since it’s so windy here. I had to be strong.”
Friday persevered throughout the day as many others stumbled around him. But Morikawa declined to say what he had discovered earlier in the week.
After 36 holes at Augusta National, Morikawa added, “I wasn’t really thinking much, so I had to find a mindset for my swing. So, that’s a good thing.”
“Sometimes you just need one swing mindset, but I had to find what works. It’s a good time for it to start coming together.”
Whatever he found, it clearly helped him. Morikawa is 3 under after 36 holes and has a three-stroke lead over co-leaders Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa.
“This is exactly where I wanted to be,” Morikawa added.
“Obviously I’d like to move a little further down and get closer to the lead, but so far I’m very, very happy, especially considering how I’ve been playing over the past month. I feel like I’m in control of the golf ball. I feel like that’s the biggest thing. Irons have held me back, which usually isn’t the case. It’s kind of nice to be able to hit quality golf shots. ”
In fact, Morikawa had increased his stroke by 1.54 heading into Green Friday, proving that he was improving with his irons. But he also putted very well, getting three strokes on the green.
“Just because you worked hard the first two days doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy,” Morikawa added.
“It’s going to get tougher and the shots are going to be tougher. We just have to stick to it.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
