Collin Morikawa Battles Anxiety and Physical Concerns in Masters Return After Back Injury

Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa experienced unprecedented anxiety during his return to competition at Augusta National after a month-long absence due to back injury.

Unusual Nervousness Strikes

Morikawa hadn't played competitive golf since injuring his back on the first hole of The Players Championship on March 12. Returning at the Masters, the typically composed player admitted to feeling "never this nervous" in his entire career.

The 29-year-old veteran, who has five top-5 major finishes, found the anxiety surprising given his extensive high-pressure experience.

Physical and Mental Challenges

Morikawa struggled to a 2-over 74 in Thursday's opening round, calling it the "toughest round I've ever played." While the back pain has subsided, his confidence in his entire body hasn't returned, particularly affecting his walking and overall comfort on the course.

Despite practicing for the past week and a half, Morikawa acknowledged that his mental state was interfering with his performance, admitting "my head gets in the way."

Pre-Injury Form

Before the setback, Morikawa was in excellent form, having won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February and ranking first in Strokes Gained: Approach (1.066) and third tee-to-green (1.646) entering the Masters week. However, he now describes his expectations as "thrown out the window."