Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! Alexis Morgan here, your Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer. I’m always on the lookout for stories that go beyond the leaderboard, tales that resonate with the heart of what it means to be a golfer – both on and off the course. And this week, Collin Morikawa’s journey at Pebble Beach offers a fascinating peek into the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the all-too-human challenges that come with it.
We’ve all been there, right? That feeling of renewed vigor, a fresh start, a reset designed to launch us into our peak performance. Maybe it’s a new workout routine, a revamped diet, or even just clearing out the garage to make space for our golf simulator. For Collin Morikawa, it was an offseason meticulously crafted for a return to dominance. And then, as the source article beautifully puts it:
“And then he woke up on Saturday at the Sony Open without a tee time.”
Ouch. As every golfer knows, missing the cut stings, regardless of your skill level. For a two-time major champion, it must feel like a gut punch. But here’s where the lifestyle lens truly focuses: it’s not about the failure itself, but about the resilience, the introspection, and the mindset shift that follows. Morikawa’s response is so incredibly relatable:
“You go out and play two rounds at Sony and I missed the cut and you realize, man, do I need to redo everything that you thought you were doing for the last two months?”
That’s the inner monologue of every golfer who has ever walked off the 18th green feeling utterly defeated. It’s a moment of reckoning, a chance to evaluate, and ultimately, to grow.
The Putting Puzzle: It’s More Than Just a Stroke
Now, let’s talk about putting. For years, Collin’s ball-striking has been the envy of the Tour, and frankly, of every recreational golfer battling a nasty slice. But his putter has been a different story, a source of frustration that has undeniably impacted his victories. He candidly admitted: “I think I might be [uncomfortable with my putter] for the rest of my career.”
This isn’t just about a golf stroke; it’s about comfort, feel, and confidence. Think about it: how often do we, as everyday golfers, let one aspect of our game — a recurring chip yip, an inconsistent driver, a notoriously cold putter — derail our entire round, or even our enjoyment of the game? It becomes a mental block, a self-fulfilling prophecy of dread.
What I find so inspiring here is that despite these struggles, Morikawa delivered a scorching 10-under 62 at Pebble Beach. How? By changing his mindset. Sometimes, the physical mechanics are secondary to the mental game. As he explained, his mental coach, Rick Sessinghaus, reminded him of his pro mindset:
“[Mental coach Rick Sessinghaus] reminded me yesterday when I first came out and turned pro, like I didn’t care about honestly making cuts or top-20s, I came out to win… When he told me that yesterday, there was that mindset switch going into today. I wanted to come out and win, win the weekend, win the tournament.”
Your Game, Your Mindset: Actionable Takeaways
So, what does this mean for *your* golf lifestyle? A lot, actually! Here are some ways to apply Morikawa’s journey to your own game:
1. Embrace the Reset, But Don’t Over-Analyze
It’s great to assess your game and make improvements, but don’t let a bad round make you “redo everything.” Sometimes, a slight tweak or a different mental approach is all you need. Rather than a complete overhaul, focus on one or two areas. Are you looking at your scores, or are you truly enjoying your time out there?
2. The Power of Mindset Coaching
You might not have a Tour-level mental coach, but you can be your own. Before your next round, set a clear intention. Is it to enjoy the walk? To focus on one specific shot at a time? To play aggressively, or conservatively? Sometimes, the most powerful shift comes from simply deciding to *win* your day, regardless of the ultimate score.
3. Separate the Swing from the Scoreboard
Morikawa proved that even when one part of your game (his putting) isn’t clicking, you can still have an incredible round. This is a huge lesson for us all! Don’t let a few bad putts or a shanked drive dictate the narrative of your entire round. Focus on the positive shots, the good decisions, and the joy of being on the course.
4. Golf is a Metaphor for Life
Just like life, golf throws us curveballs. We plan, we strategize, we put in the work, and sometimes, it all goes awry. But it’s in those moments of adversity that our true character, and our true grit, shines through. Morikawa’s determination to overcome his putting woes, not by overthinking, but by shifting his perspective to a winning mindset, is a testament to the human spirit.
As lifestyle enthusiasts, we know that golf is more than just a game; it’s an extension of who we are. It challenges us, fulfills us, and constantly teaches us lessons about patience, perseverance, and perspective. Collin Morikawa’s story reminds us that even at the highest levels, the same human struggles and triumphs shape the journey. So, next time you’re feeling a bit “off” in your golf game, remember Collin at Pebble Beach. Sometimes, all it takes is a mindset switch to turn things around, putter be damned!
