In the world of sports, the thrill of victory is paramount. Yet, it’s often in defeat that the true character of an athlete is revealed. This was exemplified by Collin Morikawa, the luminary of the Los Angeles Golf Club (LAGC), following the team’s loss in the TGL championship. Despite a nail-biting showdown, Morikawa’s team, comprising Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and Sahith Theegala, fell marginally short of victory, succumbing to the NYGC squad led by Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele.
Fowler and Schauffele clinched a hard-earned 6-4 triumph, quashing Morikawa’s championship aspirations. The latter, however, exhibited exceptional sportsmanship, accepting responsibility for his shortcomings during the match. “New York showcased tremendous skill and we had our opportunities. Unfortunately, I didn’t perform as expected and I am accountable for that,” expressed Morikawa. “Despite our failure today, we’ve grown immensely this season, and we’re eager to return stronger.”
Morikawa chose to express gratitude in the face of defeat, taking to Instagram to appreciate his team and the community that supported them throughout the journey. Born and raised in LA, Morikawa was deeply honored to represent his city, emphasizing that the LAGC family extends beyond the golf course, embodying a bond between sports and the vibrant city of LA.
The LAGC might not have seized the championship, but they stand for more than just competitive golf. Co-owned by Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, the team is a symbol of ambition, inclusivity, and an innovative approach to golf. Morikawa acknowledged this, thanking the owners for their unwavering support and dedication towards their shared passion.
Ohanian, in particular, envisions a transformative future for the sport. He’s been a fervent advocate for the inclusion of women’s golf in TGL from the onset. “Why aren’t you doing the LPGA? When are you doing the LPGA?” was his first question when he got involved, as he disclosed in an interview with Front Office Sports. His vision, however, extends beyond simply introducing a women’s team.
Ohanian envisions a dynamic, year-round engagement with golf, including watch parties, community events, and innovative ways to bring fans closer to the game. “We’ve got a couple of ambitious projects in L.A.,” he shared. He’s adamant about not building a colossal arena for his team, arguing that it needs to be filled not just during games, but throughout the year.
Ohanian is no stranger to turning ambitious ideas into reality. His revolutionary all-women’s track and field event, Athlos, offers the highest prize money in the sport. Now, his innovative plans for golf are beginning to take shape.
The takeaway from Morikawa’s defeat and Ohanian’s ambitions is a powerful and inspiring message: success is not only about achieving victory or facing defeat. It’s about what follows. It’s about pushing the envelope, constructing something larger, and ensuring the continuous evolution of the game. And that, in itself, is a victory.
