Despite falling short in his recent PGA Tour events, Collin Morikawa has shown a notable improvement that suggests a big win is imminent. Since his last victory in 2023, Morikawa has been consistently close to clinching the top spot, with a second-place finish in three of his last six starts.
One particular statistic has caught the attention of golf enthusiasts and analysts alike. Morikawa has remarkably jumped 112 positions in a critical PGA Tour metric – the average approach proximity. This significant leap from 113th place in 2024 to the top spot in 2025 was shared by Justin Ray, a golf statistician. This metric is a crucial determinant in golf as getting closer to the pin in your approach play increases the chances of sinking putts and, ultimately, winning tournaments.
Though Morikawa has not yet claimed victory this year, his exceptional improvement in this metric is a strong sign that he could soon be back in the winner’s circle. His recent performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill is a testament to this, where he was edged out by Russell Henley due to a stunning chip in eagle on the 16th hole.
Morikawa holds another record that further indicates his potential for a win. He has secured more top-five finishes without a victory than any other player in the last two seasons, with nine such finishes to his name. This consistency in his performance, coupled with his significant progress in approach play, suggests that a victory is just around the corner.
As the Masters Tournament looms, Morikawa’s name is being mentioned more frequently as a potential contender. With his impressive stats and the clear improvement in his game, golf fans and experts alike are keenly watching to see if 2025 will be the year Morikawa turns his near misses into a big win.