After a grueling two-year dry spell, Collin Morikawa finally reclaimed his spot in the winner's circle at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but not without a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. Imagine standing on the final hole, knowing a single stroke could make or break your long-awaited comeback. That was Morikawa’s reality as he stepped up to sink a birdie, securing his first PGA Tour victory since 2021. But here's where it gets controversial—was it sheer skill, or did a stroke of luck play a role in his triumph? Let’s dive in.
The American golfer had seemed in control, leading by two with just two holes left. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, Australian Min Woo Lee birdied the 18th, while Morikawa stumbled with a bogey on the 17th, leveling the playing field. At 21-under, the duo was soon joined by Austrian Sepp Straka, setting the stage for a potential playoff. And this is the part most people miss—the mental fortitude required to regroup after such a late-game shakeup. Morikawa endured a 20-minute delay due to strong winds affecting players ahead, including Jacob Bridgeman. When his turn finally came, he delivered a clutch second shot, landing on the green and setting up a short putt for a 67, edging out his competitors.
‘It’s special for a lot of reasons,’ the 29-year-old reflected post-win. ‘I’ve dedicated countless hours—probably too many—to this game, often late into the night, questioning if it would pay off. I never stopped believing in myself, but honestly, at the start of this week, I didn’t think this was in the cards.’
But here’s the bold question: Does Morikawa’s victory signal a return to dominance, or was it a one-off moment of brilliance? His ability to stay composed under pressure is undeniable, but the golf world is divided. Some argue his two-year drought was a fluke, while others believe he’s just now hitting his stride. What do you think? Is Morikawa back for good, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
