Collin Morikawa calls Masters round 'one of the best' despite back pain

Collin Morikawa owns a pair of major championships and seven PGA Tour wins.

Yet following a Saturday 68 at Augusta National Golf Club, where Morikawa claims to be swinging at “50 percent” because of back issues, the 29-year-old put his Round 3 performance at the Masters Tournament into perspective.

“It's going to be one of the best tournaments in my entire career,” said Morikawa, with 18 holes to play. “Every step out there isn’t easy, and I'm just kind of one step at a time. But I'm really proud of myself.”

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Last month, Morikawa withdrew from the Players Championship with back pain and hadn’t competed again until this week.

Following an opening 74, Collin has posted consecutive rounds in the 60s — 69 and 68, respectively.

“I'm over the moon right now, and I know I have one more day,” Morikawa said.

Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Collin Morikawa plays his shot on the twelfth tee during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Morikawa expanded on his physical discomfort and how it impacts decision-making.

“When I get to hole nine, hole 10, hole 11, downhill lies are near impossible because I don't want to fire into my left side,” Collin said. “I’m just trying to hit middle of the green, walk away with two-putt pars, and I've done a decent job with that.”

On moving day, Morikawa played his final four holes in 4-under (eagle-birdie-birdie-par) and was asked where the day ranks among his career.

“It's going to be in its own category,” Morikawa said.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Collin Morikawa's Masters round 'one of the best'