Collin Morikawa Bio
Collin Morikawa is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. He was born on February 6, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, and began his professional career in 2019. Morikawa gained fame for his remarkable achievements early on, including winning two major championships, the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, in his debut appearances. Known for his exceptional skills and consistency, Morikawa ranked among the top golfers globally, and he also became the first American to win the Race to Dubai on the European Tour. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and is of Chinese-Japanese descent.
Early Life and Background
Collin Morikawa was born to Debbie and Blaine Morikawa in Los Angeles, California. He is of Chinese-Japanese descent and grew up in a family that supported his passion for golf. Morikawa attended La Cañada High School, where he began to develop his skills in the sport. His early exposure to golf set the foundation for his future career as a professional golfer. After high school, he continued his education and golf career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he played collegiate golf from 2015 to 2019.
Path to Golf
During his time at the University of California, Berkeley, Collin Morikawa won five collegiate tournaments, including the prestigious Pac-12 Conference Championship in 2019. His amateur career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Western Junior, Trans-Mississippi Amateur, Sunnehanna Amateur, and the Northeast Amateur. Morikawa played on several winning teams, including the Arnold Palmer Cup and the Walker Cup, showcasing his talent at a young age. His success in amateur golf led to his transition to the professional circuit in 2019.
Collin Morikawa Career
Early Career (2019)
Collin Morikawa made his professional debut at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, where he tied for 14th place. His performance quickly caught the attention of the golfing community, as he secured PGA Tour membership for the 2019–20 season after finishing tied for fourth at the John Deere Classic. Just two weeks later, he won his first PGA Tour event at the Barracuda Championship, defeating Troy Merritt by three points. This victory marked the beginning of a successful career on the PGA Tour.
Breakthrough (2020-2021)
Morikawa’s breakthrough came in 2020 when he won the PGA Championship in only his second major championship start. His final round of 64 tied the lowest final round score shot by a PGA Champion, and he became the third youngest golfer to win the PGA Championship at age 23. Later that year, he continued his success by winning the 2021 Open Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club, making him the first player to win two different majors in his debut appearances.
Notable Works and Milestones
Collin Morikawa’s signature works include his victories at the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship. He has received accolades for his consistency and skill, including being the first American to win the Race to Dubai on the European Tour in 2021.
Collin Morikawa Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Collin Morikawa has received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances on the golf course, particularly in major championships and PGA Tour events.
Collin Morikawa Awards Won
Collin Morikawa has achieved significant recognition in his career, including winning the European Tour Race to Dubai in 2021. His accomplishments have established him as one of the top golfers in the world.
Collin Morikawa Family
Collin Morikawa is married to Katherine Zhu, whom he wed on November 26, 2022. He comes from a supportive family, with his parents, Debbie and Blaine Morikawa, playing a crucial role in his development as a golfer.
Personal Life
Collin Morikawa resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career and family. His marriage to Katherine Zhu marks a significant milestone in his life, and they continue to support each other in their respective endeavors.
