Collin Morikawa doubles down on media debate, Rory | Golf News

Collin Morikawa stood firm on his option to keep away from the press following his disappointing end on the Arnold Palmer Invitational, explaining that the loss had left him so disheartened he did not even wish to be round his own spouse.

Morikawa was within the lead during the ultimate spherical at Bay Hill till Russell Henley’s eagle on the sixteenth gap turned the tables. Missing out on what might have been his first tour victory since late 2023, Morikawa shortly exited, bypassing the media – a transfer that drew criticism.

However, days later, the 28-year-old golfer addressed the media, asserting that he did not “owe” them an clarification. As the Masters approached and questions arose about whether or not golfers are more delicate than different athletes, Morikawa responded thoughtfully.

“I’ll answer it in a few pieces,” he started. “I could have said it differently. But I stand by what I said. I was in the moment. We talk about giving people space to be who they are, and at that time, it was for me to be who I was, and I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t even want to be around my wife. I said hi to her after, we hugged, and I just went straight to the locker room.

“In that facet, I feel there must be a stability and an ebb and movement between the whole lot. I do wish to be right here for you guys, however this is the factor: I’ve been within the high 5 on the planet earlier than, and people do not come up to me and ask me questions.

“You guys should be asking the top 10 players every single week, every single day, and just document it. Then you get a sense of who we are and you get a flow of how that comes to be.

“If you guys do not wish to ask me, it is not my job to exit and inform you my story. Sometimes it’s, however you do this via social media, you do this via enjoying effectively, successful tournaments. But not everyone seems to be like that. That’s what I do not get this entire – I stand by what I mentioned.”

Rory McIlroy supported Morikawa, albeit suggesting a different approach might have been better. “Well, he is proper,” the world No. 2 said.

“Not that I feel he might have worded it a little bit higher, however look, each different athlete, whether or not or not it’s within the NBA, NFL, they’re obligated to talk to you guys after a sport. We’re not. Whether that is one thing that the PGA Tour seems to be to in phrases of placing that into their guidelines and laws, however as long as that is not the case and we’ve that option to opt-out every time we wish, count on guys to do this from time to time.”