Collin Morikawa, a significant player on the PGA Tour and known for his stellar form in recent months, faced biting criticism following his decision to avoid the media after his second-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Though the 28-year-old has not bagged a tour victory since 2023, his performances at The Sentry and the Arnold Palmer Invitational have been noteworthy.
However, it was at the latter event that Morikawa found himself edged out by Russell Henley. Following this, the two-time major champion chose not to engage with the press. Ahead of the Players Championship, he defended his stance, stating that he didn’t owe anyone anything—an attitude that invited further backlash, including a sharp rebuke from Rocco Mediate, especially considering the event bore the name of Arnold Palmer.
Morikawa, who currently ranks fourth in the world, maintained his position after his second round at TPC Sawgrass. He pointed out that he had taken the time to sign autographs for fans for 15 minutes post his Bay Hill loss and reiterated that his time was not owed to the press.
Paul McGinley, speaking on the Golf Channel, expressed disappointment at Morikawa’s stance. He suggested that the young American missed a valuable chance to connect with his fans by avoiding the media. McGinley cautioned players against uttering statements like “I don’t owe anybody anything,” arguing that such sentiments do not sit well with the public, who invest time and money in following golf events. He also emphasized the importance of media as a prism through which the public engages with the sport.
The seasoned golfer drew attention to an emotionally raw interview by Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits following a poor performance. McGinley lauded this as a humanizing moment, showing fans that the game wasn’t always about victories and smiling faces.
Interestingly, McIlroy himself has been known to avoid the media following a tough finish, as was the case at last year’s US Open when he left almost immediately after Bryson DeChambeau’s winning putt. This left fans waiting weeks to hear from him until the golfing world had moved on. Therefore, while Morikawa’s comments may not have done him any favors, there might be room for more understanding towards his actions last week.
In conclusion, the fallout from Morikawa’s decision to avoid the media has sparked a broader discussion on the relationship between professional golfers, the media, and the fans. It also highlights the importance of player interviews as a conduit for humanizing the sport and its players, even in the face of defeat.