Collin Morikawa showcased an impressive transformation in mindset during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. On a challenging day at Pebble Beach Golf Links, he fired a remarkable 10-under-par 62. This performance highlights the power of a mental shift in professional golf.
Mindset Shift Leads to Success
Morikawa, eager to return to form on the PGA Tour, expressed frustration at his recent results. With only one victory since winning the 2021 Open Championship, he acknowledged a desire for improvement. Despite previous success, including two major titles, his last top-10 finish was in June at the Rocket Classic.
Current Performance
During his round at Pebble Beach, Morikawa made 11 birdies, positioning himself just two shots behind co-leaders Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune. His performance allowed him to tie at 17-under 199 with Sepp Straka and Jake Knapp after 54 holes of this $20 million event. Remarkably, he hit all 18 greens in regulation, showcasing exceptional iron play and gaining nearly nine strokes in that area, the best in the field.
- Score: 10-under-par 62
- Birdies: 11
- Tied Score: 17-under 199 with Sepp Straka and Jake Knapp
- Greens in Regulation: 18 out of 18
- Strokes Gained: 8.885, best in the field
Facing Challenges
Despite his skills, Morikawa has faced challenges in recent tournaments. After a strong start to his career, he lost a six-shot lead to Jon Rahm at The Sentry event in January. Moreover, he was left disappointed at the Hero World Challenge, where he surrendered a five-stroke lead.
Mental struggles are common in professional golf, and Morikawa has been open about his frustrations. His self-imposed pressure stems from a desire to regain the success he experienced early in his career. To combat this, he has engaged with mental coach Rick Sensinghaus. Their recent discussions focused on rediscovering his original competitive spirit.
Looking Ahead
Morikawa realized that he needed to refocus his mindset from merely making cuts to aiming for victory. Emphasizing the importance of this mental shift, he noted, “I wanted to come out and win, win the weekend, win the tournament.” As he approaches the final round, Morikawa feels rejuvenated and hopeful, ready to pursue another title on the PGA Tour.
