Collin Morikawa recently revived his winning streak by securing a victory at Pebble Beach on the PGA Tour, marking his first triumph since 2023. This win came after he calmly birdied the challenging 18th hole, demonstrating impressive composure under pressure. Following this, Morikawa showcased solid play alongside Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood at Riviera Country Club, finishing comfortably within the top 10 despite tough conditions.
After a difficult start to the year that mirrored struggles from 2025, Morikawa credited his resurgence to experience gained on the TGL platform. He explained that this unique environment helped him regain the confidence and focus that had previously made him a two-time major champion.
Morikawa Credits TGL for Composure During Critical Shots at Pebble Beach
During the final moments on Pebble Beach’s 18th fairway, Morikawa faced a tense wait of around 20 minutes before his shot, caused by Jacob Bridgeman navigating trouble near the beach left of the green. Despite the delay, Morikawa maintained calmness and executed a precise shot to the rough beside the green, enabling him to convert a crucial birdie.
Reflecting on this experience, Morikawa said,
“Yeah, I talked about it, 18 at Pebble, I had to wait for a long time, and out here, even though it’s a very fast pace, you do have a lot of waiting time. Singles, you’re kind of waiting, and you’re trying to figure out how to stay loose, how to move around, how to stay focused on things.”
He continued,
“I think it’s been not only the mental side of that, of figuring out what to do, but also just kind of keeping our games tidy, learning how our swings are reacting under pressure. You can’t replicate this type of pressure even though it’s a very small setting. I still feel it. I felt it on my first putt today. I felt it on my shots throughout the round. You feel pressure, I think, that would be different than a Thursday, Friday and potentially even sometimes on an early Saturday round.”
So it’s good. You’re able just to learn a lot about yourself and go out there and hopefully take that into the long weekends.
?Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer
TGL’s Role in Morikawa’s Return to Winning Ways
While the TGL series has yet to capture widespread attention the way its founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy might have envisioned, it has proven invaluable for Morikawa’s game. The pressures faced during TGL matches simulated conditions that sharpened his mental toughness, ultimately aiding his performance on traditional tours.
Morikawa’s experience with TGL offered him insights into managing pace, focus, and swing adjustments under unique competitive stresses. This preparation was instrumental in navigating high-pressure situations like the Pebble Beach finale, suggesting the platform could hold untapped potential for players seeking an edge at critical moments.
Looking Ahead: What This Victory Means for Morikawa’s Season
This Pebble Beach triumph signals a possible turning point for Collin Morikawa as he continues to find his rhythm. With the confidence gained from his recent performances and the mental growth fostered through TGL competition, he is well-positioned to contend for more titles, including majors such as The Masters.
The combination of high-intensity experiences and patient execution bodes well for Morikawa’s future results on the PGA Tour, as he seeks to build on this promising form throughout the season ahead.
