Collin Morikawa, a professional golfer, has recently implemented a new pre-shot routine during the Sentry tournament. Despite not winning in 2024, Morikawa finished second at the Tour Championship and achieved eight top-10 finishes. Interestingly, he achieved this success despite experiencing his worst ball-striking year on the PGA Tour, finishing 44th in strokes gained: approach. During the offseason, Morikawa took advantage of eight weeks off to experiment with his game, leading to the development of a new pre-shot routine.
Morikawa’s new routine involves a Sam Snead-esque addition where he opens his lead hip and drives his right knee to mimic his impact position before swinging. This subtle change has already shown promising results for Morikawa at the Kapalua tournament, where he ranked fifth in strokes gained: approach through 11 holes of the third round. Additionally, he has only missed two greens in the first 47 holes of the tournament, indicating the effectiveness of his new routine. The golfer explained that the routine also helps prevent injuries, particularly back-related issues that he has experienced in the past.
The purpose of Morikawa’s new trigger is to provide his body with a reference point for the correct position during the swing, ultimately improving his consistency and performance on the course. By incorporating this trigger into his pre-shot routine, Morikawa can effectively execute his shots without overthinking or risking injury. He emphasized the importance of maintaining proper rotational and positional mechanics to avoid building bad patterns that could lead to injuries or poor performance on the course.
During a mid-round interview, Morikawa described his new routine as a trigger that puts him in the right mindset for the tournament. He highlighted the simplicity of the trigger, allowing him to trust his body’s movements and focus on sending the ball where he intends. With Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama leading the field by four shots midway through the third round, it is evident that the new trigger has positively impacted Morikawa’s performance at the tournament. The golfer’s confidence in his abilities and his dedication to refining his game contribute to his continued success on the PGA Tour.
As Morikawa continues to fine-tune his game and implement new techniques, his performance on the course reflects his commitment to excellence and improvement. The success of his new pre-shot routine serves as a testament to his adaptability and willingness to experiment with different approaches to enhance his gameplay. By focusing on fundamental mechanics and utilizing triggers to facilitate proper execution, Morikawa showcases his strategic approach to golf and his ability to overcome challenges on the course.
Overall, Collin Morikawa’s new pre-shot routine has generated significant buzz in the golfing community, with fans and analysts eager to witness its impact on his performance in upcoming tournaments. Through careful experimentation and a dedication to refining his skills, Morikawa continues to solidify his position as a top competitor on the PGA Tour. As he navigates the challenges of professional golf, Morikawa’s innovative approach to the game sets him apart as a player to watch, with a bright future ahead in the world of golf.
