Collin Morikawa’s relationship with the media has recently come under scrutiny, sparked by events following the Arnold Palmer Invitational. After losing a key lead that allowed Russell Henley to win the tournament, Morikawa chose not to participate in post-event interviews. This decision upset many in the golf media, and analyst Brandel Chamblee openly criticized him. In response, Morikawa defended his actions, saying, “I don’t regret anything I said… I don’t owe anyone,” though he later admitted he could have phrased things differently. He explained that he needed space after the disappointing finish—even distancing himself from his wife briefly—emphasizing the importance of emotional authenticity in such moments.
View this post on Instagram
While some members of the media may have taken issue with Morikawa’s decision, his fans have continued to support him. That support was recently on display ahead of the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, when Morikawa shared a heartwarming moment with young fan Abby Hui. The two have met regularly when Morikawa visits Louisiana, having first connected in 2022. In 2023, Hui even caddied for him during a practice round.
In their latest meeting, Morikawa and Hui participated in a fun trivia game focused on New Orleans and the Zurich Classic. The match was neck-and-neck, ending in a tie that required a sudden-death question. The tie-breaker asked the participants to “Name a golfer,” and Morikawa instantly answered with his own name, winning the round in dramatic fashion. Fans loved the competitiveness and humor of the moment. One commented, “Collin didn’t even entertain for ONE SECOND letting her win, and that’s why I love him.” Hui, despite losing, enjoyed the experience and expressed her joy on Instagram, saying she had a great time.
Morikawa’s sweet reunion with Hui earned praise across social media, including from his TGL team, Los Angeles Golf Club. The team acknowledged his positive spirit and recent contributions, highlighting how he helped them secure the top seed in the TGL season before narrowly missing out in the semifinals against New York Golf Club.
This uplifting interaction comes amid a broader discussion in the golf community about media pressure on players. Other pros like Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have also spoken out about the need for athletes to be given space, especially during high-pressure events. With the encouraging support from fans and his own resilience, Morikawa now looks to channel this energy into a strong performance at the Zurich Classic.