Collin Morikawa’s Journey in 2025: Analyzing his Changes and Challenges
Collin Morikawa, a prominent figure in professional golf and a two-time major champion, experienced a quieter 2025 season than many analysts and fans anticipated. Despite his impressive track record and previous successes, Morikawa struggled to find his rhythm on the PGA Tour, failing to secure a victory throughout the year. This article explores the changes he’s made to his game, particularly his equipment adjustments, as he aims to regain his peak performance.
In an unexpected twist, Morikawa managed to secure a spot on Keegan Bradley’s U.S. Ryder Cup team at the esteemed Bethpage Black course. While his performance during the season may not have met expectations, the opportunity to represent his country in such a prestigious event speaks volumes about his talent and potential. Continuing to strive for excellence, Morikawa has made noteworthy modifications to his iron club specifications in hopes of enhancing his overall performance on the course.
Recently, during an interview on the popular podcast Foreplay, Morikawa revealed a significant adjustment to his equipment: he added two degrees of loft to every iron in his bag. He explained, “Crazy enough, I just added two degrees to every iron as of yesterday. Spin is the most important thing to control.” This adjustment reflects his ongoing commitment to refining his game and understanding the technical aspects of golf, particularly in regard to spin control.
One of Morikawa’s key insights revolves around the impact of spin on shot distance. He emphasized that understanding how a golf ball spins is crucial for consistent performance. “The best players, whenever I’ve talked to guys like Scottie or Rahm, if you know how you’re spinning it, you know how far the ball’s going to go,” he stated. This feedback underscores the importance of mastering the intricacies of golf equipment for competitive players, pointing out that even small changes can significantly influence performance on the course.
Besides modifying his irons, Morikawa has also been tinkering with his putting technique, an area that presented challenges for him throughout the 2025 season. After a difficult year with his putter, he transitioned from using his old TaylorMade TP Soto putter to a new TaylorMade Tour V head with a center shaft. This change is part of his broader strategy to regain confidence on the greens, an essential aspect of any golfer’s game.
When discussing his putting style, Morikawa acknowledged his use of the claw grip, while expressing that he doesn’t solely rely on this technique. He shared, “No, I don’t know what I am honestly,” underscoring his quest for finding the most comfortable grip and style for his putting. He elaborated on his approach, stating, “The reason why I keep switching is I find certain things in one grip that feels comfortable, and it does something really well.”
Moreover, Morikawa’s candid admission about his struggles indicates a relatable aspect of being a professional athlete. He noted that switching grips mid-round could lead to inconsistencies, saying, “So when I go conventional, it rolls a lot better, but my aiming becomes worse.” This acknowledgment sheds light on the mental and technical challenges golfers face and highlights his determination to streamline his technique for improved results going forward.
With this year’s difficulties in mind, Morikawa’s statistics reveal the level of challenge he faced. He finished the 2025 season ranked 153rd on the PGA Tour for Strokes Gained: Putting, a stark contrast to his earlier years of success. As a two-time major champion, these numbers may seem shocking, yet they serve as a reminder that even the best athletes go through periods of decline, making their comeback stories all the more compelling.
As Morikawa prepares for the upcoming seasons, his journey serves as a reminder that the sport of golf demands continual adaptation and improvement. The changes he’s made to his irons and his ongoing search for an effective putting technique exemplify the diligence essential to success at the highest levels of the game. Golfers of all levels can learn from Morikawa’s resolve to analyze and adjust, emphasizing that every small change, whether in equipment or technique, can lead to significant improvements on the course.
In conclusion, Collin Morikawa’s 2025 season has been filled with challenges, but his proactive approach to change reveals his commitment to excellence. As he refines his skills and equipment, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these adjustments lead to a resurgence in his performance. Whether at the Ryder Cup or future PGA events, Morikawa’s journey is likely to provide valuable insights into the relentless pursuit of betterment in the world of professional golf.
