Collin Morikawa Voices Frustration Over Altered Masters Tradition
PGA Tour standout Collin Morikawa has openly discussed his cherished Masters custom during a press conference at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, candidly admitting that a recent modification at Augusta National has left him feeling "screwed." The two-time major champion, who has yet to claim a victory at the Masters despite three top-ten finishes in six appearances, shared this verdict just weeks before the prestigious event.
Morikawa's Pencil Habit Disrupted by Longer Versions
When questioned about his favourite Masters tradition, Morikawa initially seemed unsure, asking for examples. After a reporter suggested options like the pimento cheese sandwich or watching the ceremonial first shot, the 29-year-old golfer revealed his personal ritual: "I take their pencils every year. I probably shouldn't say that. They have gone to longer pencils, so now I'm screwed." This change marks a significant shift for Morikawa, who has consistently collected these souvenirs from Augusta.
Morikawa's affinity for tournament pencils extends beyond the Masters. He also treasures those from Pebble Beach, noting, "Pebble's are staying in the bag, but, you know, I always take a couple, I guess, pencils." His recent triumph at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, ending an 848-day winless streak and earning a £3 million prize, has bolstered his confidence. As one of only three players entering Augusta National with a 2026 signature-event trophy, Morikawa believes this victory has positively impacted his mindset.
Improved Mindset and Preparation for Augusta
Reflecting on his recent success, Morikawa explained, "I think just overall mindset, I've been a lot - happier is not the right word - but just in a lot better headspace to trust my golf game." He emphasized the rigorous work put in during the off-season, focusing on physical conditioning to execute shots effectively. Despite early-season results not meeting expectations, Morikawa remains committed to improvement, acknowledging that even minor adjustments can lead to contention.
He elaborated, "That's part of what we're doing, is that, even though you finish T-50th or you miss a cut, it's a couple shots away from doing great and essentially contending. It changes a little bit, but at the same time ... you feel good, that doesn't mean you're going to play well." To maintain his edge, Morikawa has concentrated on tightening all aspects of his game in the lead-up to the Masters, avoiding complacency.
Masters History and Future Prospects
Morikawa's best performance at the Masters occurred two years ago, when he tied for third place with Max Homa and Tommy Fleetwood, finishing just one shot behind overnight leader Scottie Scheffler. A final-round score of 74 ultimately cost him the title, as Scheffler secured the win. With this year's edition approaching, Morikawa's comments highlight the blend of tradition and adaptation that defines the Masters experience.
While the pencil change may be a minor detail, it underscores the personal rituals that players hold dear at historic venues like Augusta National. As Morikawa prepares to compete, his focus remains on leveraging his renewed confidence and meticulous preparation to challenge for the green jacket, despite the unexpected twist in his favourite tradition.
