Collin Morikawa: Analyzing His 2025 PGA Tour Season and Adaptations

Collin Morikawa, one of golf’s standout talents, had a relatively subdued year in 2025 compared to the lofty expectations many had set for him. As a two-time major champion, his non-appearance in the winner’s circle during the PGA Tour season raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Nevertheless, Morikawa’s competitive spirit and adaptability remained evident as he secured a spot on Keegan Bradley’s U.S. Ryder Cup team, set to compete at the iconic Bethpage Black course.

Despite facing challenges throughout the season, Morikawa’s journey is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence. In a bid to regain his top form, the American golfer has made significant adjustments to his equipment, particularly his iron configuration. Recently, he shared a noteworthy change he made to enhance his performance on the greens and fairways.

In a candid appearance on the "Foreplay" podcast, Morikawa revealed that he added two degrees of loft to every iron in his bag, stating, “Crazy enough, I just added two degrees to every iron as of yesterday. Two degrees of loft.” This modification aims to address what he described as a recurring issue with under-spinning his shots, a critical factor in achieving optimal control over distance and trajectory. Morikawa emphasized that understanding and managing spin rates are vital for the modern golfer, no matter their skill level.

Morikawa’s insights on spin control revealed a mature player keen on learning and evolving. He noted, “The best players, whenever I’ve talked to a guy like Scottie [Scheffler] or Jon [Rahm], spin—if you know how you’re spinning it, you know how far the ball’s going to go.” Such reflections further illustrate his meticulous approach to the game, ensuring he uses science and skill to his advantage despite the frustrating season.

In addition to his adjustments to his irons, Morikawa has also been exploring new approaches on the putting green. After struggling with his short game in 2025, he decided to part ways with his old TaylorMade TP Soto putter in favor of a TaylorMade Tour V model featuring a center shaft. This change, he hopes, will enhance his performance and consistency on the greens, an area he recognizes as vital to scoring well in tournament play.

Moreover, Morikawa’s putting technique has become a topic of interest. He has been experimenting with the claw grip, a method that many golfers have found success with. When discussing this grip change, Morikawa said, “No, I don’t know what I am honestly.” His candidness about his struggles with consistency reflects a greater commitment to mastering this aspect of his game.

He further elaborated on his approach to switching grips during play, stating, “The reason why I keep switching is I find certain things in one grip that feels comfortable and does something really well.” This adaptability shows his dedication to finding the optimal technique that works best for him, even if it means making mid-round changes.

Despite these ongoing adjustments and experiments, Morikawa acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout the season. He admitted to struggling with consistency in his putting, evidenced by his ranking of 153rd in Strokes Gained: Putting on the PGA Tour for 2025. Such rankings underscore the importance of maintaining a solid putting game at the highest levels of competition.

As Morikawa heads into the upcoming months and the Ryder Cup, he is focused on stabilizing his game. "So the next couple of months, I’m going to make sure I figure it out and stick with one technique versus changing," he noted, emphasizing his commitment to finding a reliable and effective strategy on the greens. His determination to improve will be crucial as he prepares for high-stakes events that require calmness and precision under pressure.

In conclusion, Collin Morikawa’s 2025 season may not have produced the results many fans expected, but his journey is one of growth and adaptation. His willingness to make changes to his equipment and explore different techniques highlights his resilience and commitment to the sport. As he sets his sights on future tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these adjustments play out in his quest for excellence on the PGA Tour. Whether it’s tweaking his equipment or refining his putting technique, Morikawa remains a player to watch as he continues to shape his legacy in professional golf.