Collin Morikawa appeared robust on Thursday at The Sentry match in Kapalua, Maui. He fired off a bogey-free 8-under 65 to take a seat tied for the lead as he entered the clubhouse. Sahith Theegala would later publish a 9-under for the solo lead.
Morikawa is making his fifth begin on the occasion and is seeking to shut the deal after what occurred finally yr’s match. He struggled the ultimate day and watched as Jon Rahm bolted previous him for the trophy.
Glimmers of his A-game lastly confirmed on the ZOZO within the PGA Tour Fall season. He felt like he was returning to his previous self.
“I’ve had the idea that I can do it, and I’ve had the idea that I can play properly, however you bought to have the ability to put collectively 4 stable rounds,” Morikawa mentioned. “A part of it’s figuring out the place the golf ball’s going to go. Stats-wise, it mentioned my ball placing was positive; it’s not like I dropped off the roof, however the misses have been worse.”
After the 2023 season, Morikawa ranked No. 94 in scrambling, No. 138 scrambling from the tough and No. 117 from the perimeter. In brief, he put himself in some dangerous positions.
Nevertheless, he ranked No. 7 in GIR (greens in regulation), hitting 71% of them. Whereas a lot of his recreation was there, the two-time main champion had a obtrusive weak point.
“If the place you’re going to overlook it, that’s the most important factor,” he mentioned. “Finest gamers out right here on this planet which can be profitable and contending each week, they know the place they’re going to overlook it. They hit possibly somewhat bit extra high quality of golf photographs, however slowly, I’m studying the place the ball’s going to go; that’s the most important factor.”
He’s studying extra about adjusting on the fly and planning accordingly.
Thursday noticed him file six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 ninth. He hit 17 of 18 greens on Thursday, which tied for the highest of the sector. He didn’t miss fairly often. So, this newfound information hasn’t but been put to the take a look at.
Morikawa is in search of vengeance in Hawaii and his first spherical confirmed he’s not taking part in round.
However he has numerous firm close to the highest. He’s a part of a five-way tie with Viktor Hovland, Camilo Villegas, Sugjae Im and Jason Day on shot again of Theegala.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. For extra golf protection, make sure to comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. It’s also possible to comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
