Collin Morikawa makes comeback at Masters, expresses feeling of heightened nerves.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Collin Morikawa has secured two major titles and has finished among the top five in five additional tournaments, indicating he has considerable experience in high-pressure golf situations.

This is why Morikawa was taken aback by the level of anxiety he felt prior to the opening round of the 90th Masters on Thursday.

“It all began when I woke up,” Morikawa remarked. “I’ve never experienced this much nervousness, like, in my life. I’ve participated in majors. I’ve competed in other events.”

However, aside from two nine-hole practice sessions earlier this week at Augusta National Golf Club, Morikawa had not played since sustaining a back injury after just one hole during the first round of The Players on March 12.

“I think it’s a matter of trust, right?” Morikawa explained. “When it occurred on the course at The Players, there’s a certain level of doubt, like, is this going to happen again or not?”

The 29-year-old persevered through the first 18 holes on Thursday, finishing with a score of 2-over 74. He recorded four bogeys and two birdies, describing it as the “toughest round I’ve ever played.”

“I’m just battling,” Morikawa stated. “It’s a struggle. I don’t think I’ve been able to feel comfortable out there and [trust] my entire body. It’s not painful, but it’s not easy. I think walking has been the most challenging part.”

Morikawa mentioned that he has been practicing for the past week and a half, but not with complete comfort.

“It’s more like my mind gets in the way, and the mind can hinder so much,” Morikawa noted. “When I teed off on Tuesday on [the first hole], I honestly wasn’t sure if I would make contact. The warmup felt fine, everything.”

While Morikawa’s back is no longer causing him pain, he remarked that his legs “just don’t feel comfortable right now. … They don’t feel strong like they’re supporting me.”

Morikawa humorously suggested that he might be the slowest player in the field due to his ongoing anxiety.

“I’m just trying to take one step at a time and see how it all unfolds,” Morikawa said.

Morikawa, who claimed the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, has been on the lookout for another major title since then. He appeared to be in a strong position to compete for a green jacket after winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on February 15. He finished tied for seventh in the Genesis Invitational and placed fifth in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The seven-time PGA Tour champion ranked first in strokes gained: approach (1.066) and third in tee-to-green (1.646) heading into the week.

“I’m proud of how things have unfolded,” Morikawa said. “The expectations are pretty much out the window right now.”