Brutal Winds and Bone-Chilling Cold at Pebble Beach Leave Collin Morikawa Struggling as Leaders Pull Away
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is always a spectacle, with breathtaking coastal views and a star-studded lineup of professional golfers and celebrities. But this year, Mother Nature decided to take center stage. Harsh winds and frigid temperatures transformed the typically scenic and serene Pebble Beach Golf Links into a brutal battlefield, leaving even the most skilled players fighting for control. One of those players was Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion known for his precision and composure. Unfortunately, on this cold, windy day, Morikawa found himself struggling to make up ground on the leaders, as the relentless conditions wreaked havoc on his game.
A Course That Demands Perfection
Pebble Beach is already one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour, with its narrow fairways, small greens, and treacherous bunkers. But when the wind howls off the Pacific Ocean, it becomes even more punishing. On this particular day, gusts exceeded 30 miles per hour, making club selection and ball flight control a nightmare.
Morikawa, one of the most technically sound iron players in the game, typically thrives in difficult conditions. His ability to control his ball flight and shape shots to fit any situation has earned him comparisons to legends of the sport. However, even he found the conditions at Pebble to be overwhelming. Shots that would normally land softly on the green were being carried away by the wind, while putts became treacherous on the slick, wind-ln affected greens.
A Frustrating Round for Morikawa
Despite entering the round with hopes of making a move up the leaderboard, Morikawa quickly realized that it would be a day of survival rather than scoring. His approach shots, usually dialed in with surgical precision, were frequently thrown off course by unpredictable gusts. On several occasions, he found himself shaking his head as seemingly perfect shots landed in tough spots due to the relentless wind.
Morikawa’s putting, another strength of his game, also suffered. The combination of high winds and firm greens made every putt an adventure. Even short putts that seemed routine were tricky, as the wind caused unexpected movement. His frustration was evident as he watched birdie opportunities slip away, while the leaders—somehow managing to handle the conditions better—began to create separation.
Leaders Thrive Despite Harsh Conditions
While Morikawa struggled to gain ground, some players in the field found ways to navigate the difficult conditions more effectively. The leaderboard featured a mix of veterans and rising stars who managed to adjust their games to the swirling winds. Whether it was taking extra club, keeping the ball low, or relying on an impeccable short game, these players found a way to score while others faltered.
The key for the leaders was patience. Instead of forcing aggressive shots, they played with discipline, aiming for the safest parts of the greens and trusting their short games to save pars. This strategy allowed them to avoid big mistakes, something that plagued many players—including Morikawa—who took risks that didn’t pay off.
Morikawa Looks to Rebound
Despite the setback, Morikawa remains one of the most resilient players on the PGA Tour. While this round at Pebble Beach did not go as planned, he has proven time and again that he can bounce back from adversity. His mental toughness, combined with his elite ball-striking ability, ensures that he will remain a threat in any tournament he enters.
As the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am continues, Morikawa will look to adjust his approach and fight his way back into contention. If he can find a way to handle the elements better, there’s no doubt he can still make a charge. However, with the leaders continuing to separate themselves, his window of opportunity is closing quickly.
Pebble Beach, with all its beauty, has a way of humbling even the best in the world. On this cold, windy day, Collin Morikawa was its latest victim. But if history has shown us anything, it’s that Morikawa never stays down for long.
