Morikawa’s Secret to Success: Be Yourself, Not Scottie

Here at The Daily Duffer, we believe golf is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. It’s about the joy of being outdoors, the camaraderie, the challenge, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement. And lately, one player has embodied that pursuit in a way that truly resonates with the everyday golfer: Collin Morikawa.

You’ve seen the headlines, heard the buzz. After a period that, for a player of his caliber, felt like an eternity without a win, Morikawa emerged victorious at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, battling it out against the game’s best, including the seemingly unstoppable Scottie Scheffler. What’s truly inspiring isn’t just the win itself, but the journey he took to get there – a journey that offers profound lessons for all of us, on and off the course.

The Human Side of the Slump: When Perfectionism Bites Back

It’s easy to look at professional athletes and assume their path is always linear, always upward. But Morikawa’s story reminds us that even the elite face struggles. Between 2019-2023, he captured six victories, two of them majors. Then, after winning the 2023 Zozo Championship, something shifted. He went winless in 2024 and 2025. It wasn’t a sudden collapse, but a gradual, frustrating slip for a player accustomed to hoisting trophies.

This period of “struggle” forced Morikawa into deep introspection. “His struggles forced to him to question what was going wrong with his game, which led to months of hard work to try to get back to where he was earlier in his career,” the source article notes. Sound familiar? How often do we, as everyday golfers, find ourselves questioning our swings, our putting, our entire approach when things aren’t clicking? Morikawa’s candidness reminds us that this journey of self-diagnosis and refinement is universal.

“You can look and say, well, what’s wrong; why are you going down these paths, to try and figure it out and trying to get — because I know deep down, I’m not able to go and play that freedom of golf unless I figure something out,” Morikawa explained.

But here’s the kicker: sometimes, in our desperate attempt to improve, we can actually hinder ourselves by overthinking. Morikawa himself admits to this pitfall earlier in his career. We add too many swing thoughts, try too many quick fixes, and lose sight of the natural feel that makes the game enjoyable. It’s a delicate balance between focused improvement and allowing yourself the “freedom of golf.”

For us, this means understanding that while dedication to practice is crucial, so is the mental game. It’s about not letting the pursuit of perfection steal the joy of the game. Sometimes, stepping back, taking a breath, and trusting your innate feel can be just as effective as grinding on the range.

The Revelation: Your Own Golfing Blueprint

Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from Morikawa’s resurgence isn’t just about hard work, but about smart work – and self-awareness. He shared a powerful revelation that helped him overcome his slump:

“What I’ve learned the biggest thing is you just cannot copy anyone else. You might be able to take a small little bit, but just because Scottie [Scheffler] is doing something great does not mean I have to go do it,” Morikawa revealed.

This is gold, pure and simple. In an era saturated with swing tips, gear reviews, and slow-motion videos of tour pros, it’s incredibly tempting to mimic the best. We see Scheffler’s incredible results, and we think, “If I just did *that* with my hands at the top,” or “If I copied *that* rotation…” But Morikawa’s insight reminds us that true greatness, and indeed, true improvement for *us*, comes from understanding our *own* game, our *own* physicality, and our *own* mental approach.

It’s about finding *your* unique golfing blueprint, not trying to force someone else’s. Maybe your swing is a little unorthodox, but it works for you. Don’t abandon it because it doesn’t look like the textbook ideal. Take lessons, experiment, but ultimately, trust what feels right and repeatable for *your* body and *your* game. This philosophy extends beyond the golf course too – it’s a lesson in authentic self-improvement applicable to any passion or pursuit.

Playing for Enjoyment vs. Playing Under Pressure: The Yardage Book Test

Another fascinating glimpse into Morikawa’s lifestyle and mindset came when he discussed the difference between casual rounds and tournament play. He admitted that when playing with friends, he never uses a yardage book.

“I don’t look at a yardage book at home. I don’t know anyone looks at a yardage book when they’re at home. If they do, props to them,” Morikawa joked. “But it’s a very different rhythm of things. I think you just have to be able to, in a tournament, really hone in on those skills and figure out what works for you.”

This insight highlights a crucial lifestyle aspect for all golfers: balancing the “fun” of the game with the “serious” pursuit of improvement. When we’re out with friends, enjoying a casual round, we often play more freely, intuitively. There’s less pressure, less overthinking. We simply react. But when a score matters, or in Morikawa’s case, when millions are on the line, the demands change. We need to “hone in on those skills.”

What can we take from this? For those weekend warriors aspiring to break 90 or win the club championship, it’s about understanding that the relaxed, intuitive play you enjoy in a friendly four-ball needs refining for competitive scenarios. Don’t abandon the fun, but recognize that a laser focus on yardages, course management, and mental strategy becomes paramount when the stakes are higher. Practice these specific skills – not just the swing – to bridge the gap between your casual excellence and your competitive potential.

Actionable Takeaways for Your Game and Life:

1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: Like Morikawa, understand that slumps are part of any growth process. View them as opportunities for deep self-examination and improvement, rather than just frustrating setbacks.
2. Find Your Own Formula: Don’t blindly copy others. Learn from the best, but integrate those learnings into *your* unique style. Develop a swing, a routine, and a mental game that works for *you*.
3. Balance Play and Practice: Cherish your casual rounds for the sheer enjoyment of golf, but understand that intentional, focused practice is necessary to elevate your game when it counts. Practice under pressure, even if it’s just a friendly match where you demand more of yourself.
4. Trust Your Intuition: While analytics and data are valuable, don’t lose touch with the “feel” of the game. Sometimes, simplifying your thoughts and trusting your instincts can lead to your best golf.

Collin Morikawa’s recent win isn’t just a story about a golfer regaining his form; it’s a powerful narrative about resilience, self-discovery, and the nuanced pursuit of excellence. It’s a reminder that golf, much like life, is a dynamic process of learning, adapting, and finding what truly makes you thrive.