Collin Morikawa battles through back issues to top-10 at the Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Standing on No. 12 green on Sunday afternoon, Collin Morikawa turned to his caddie, Mark Urbanek.

“Let's try and do something special,” Morikawa told his looper. At the time, Morikawa was 1 over through 11 holes and trailed the lead by seven. Then, the two-time major champion caught fire.

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Morikawa jarred a 20-footer on No. 12, beginning a run of five consecutive birdies for a final-round 68 at the 2026 Masters Tournament.

“This blew away any expectations I had for the week,” Morikawa admitted. “Honestly, for me it was just survive each day.”

Morikawa claimed to be swinging at “50 percent” all week because of back issues and hadn’t competed since withdrawing from last month’s Players Championship.

Collin Morikawa tees off on the fourth hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Yet after an opening-round 74, the 29-year-old signed cards for 69, 68, 68. He tied for seventh.

“It's going to be one of the best tournaments, forever,” Morikawa said. “I’m going to remember this one for many reasons, but just more how strong the mind is.”

Morikawa expanded on his physical discomfort, while stating that he has extra motivation to get healthy.

“I want to be able to pick him up, roll around, play with him,” Collin said of the upcoming birth of his first child. “I’ve got some work to do to get fully healthy, and we're going to find a way to make sure I'm back.”

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Masters 2026: Collin Morikawa battles through back for top-10 finish