Collin Morikawa struggled his way around TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on day one of the RBC Canadian Open.
Morikawa has experienced an extremely challenging last three months on the PGA Tour.
It all started so well for the two-time major champion in 2026, after he won for the first time since October 2023 in February at Pebble Beach.
However, things went downhill very quickly indeed for Collin Morikawa after he had to withdraw from The Players Championship with a back injury after just one hole of the tournament.
Morikawa struggling around Aronimink last month caused real concern.
That was the last tournament he played up until this week at the RBC Canadian Open.
Morikawa said he’s still not comfortable with his back ahead of the RBC Canadian Open, and that showed during his opening round in Toronto.
Collin Morikawa told to ‘stay at home’ after Canadian Open showing
Morikawa looked in clear discomfort on Thursday morning during his opening round at the Canadian Open.
Despite getting under par early, the 29-year-old ended his round on even par.
However, concerns have been raised about his fitness pertaining to his recent back injury.
On Thursday, 2002 Players Championship winner Craig Perks shared his opinion on Morikawa’s current situation.
“Morikawa hasn’t played since the PGA, and with the new arrival of the child, hey, stay at home,“ Perks said.
“Stay home until you’re healthy.
“It just looks like he is playing with so much discomfort. He’s just a shell of himself.“
Morikawa looks uncomfortable when he is walking but more concerning is just how different his swing has looked since he first picked up his back issue in March.
There is a definite lack of trust in completing his backswing, and the same can be said for his swing through the impact position.
Matt Every noticed a worrying sign about Collin Morikawa
Two-time PGA Tour winner Matt Every watched Morikawa close up on Thursday in Toronto.
After following the five-time major champion around TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Every noticed some really worrying signs.
“I couldn’t imagine my body moving at a certain speed, pretty much my whole career, and then, you know, Collin’s definitely coming out here and playing with a different golf swing right now than he has in years past,“ Every said.
“It’s just, it’s something you don’t see a ton of in mid-seasons, slowing down in your tempo.“
Morikawa’s ball speed has dropped significantly since the start of the season.
During his win at Pebble Beach in February, he was hovering around the 175-178 mph range but today in Toronto, his ball speed was around 170-172 mph with the driver.
If Collin Morikawa really is in discomfort out on the golf course, it is utterly bizarre why he is playing in the RBC Canadian Open this week.
In fact, it is really strange that he has played with such regularity since first suffering his back injury in March.
Morikawa will have to make a big decision soon, and perhaps an extended break from the game is what he really needs.
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