PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Collin Morikawa ended a more than two-year victory drought on the PGA Tour on Sunday, claiming the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am title after a dramatic finish at the iconic California course. The win, Morikawa’s seventh career PGA Tour victory, came after a tense final round where he navigated wind, lead changes, and a 20-minute delay on the 18th hole to secure the win.
Morikawa finished with a final-round 5-under 67, ultimately edging out Sepp Straka and Min Woo Lee by one stroke. The 29-year-old had briefly surrendered the lead on the 17th, carding a bogey after a tee shot that narrowly avoided the ocean. Lee had briefly taken the lead with a birdie on the 18th, forcing a tie at 21-under par.
The decisive moment came on the par-5 18th. A delay ensued as Morikawa waited for the group ahead, Jacob Bridgeman, to complete their play in challenging wind conditions. After the wait, Morikawa delivered a precise approach shot, setting up a short putt for birdie. He calmly converted the putt, securing the victory and ending a stretch of 45 starts without a win.
“It’s special for a lot of reasons,” Morikawa said after the round. “I’ve put countless hours and nights – probably too many hours – thinking about golf. I kept believing in myself. Honestly, at the beginning of this week it didn’t really feel like this was going to be possible.”
The victory is particularly significant as Morikawa announced earlier this week that he and his wife are expecting their first child later this year. “We just started telling people this week,” he told CBS, “And we said, the best way to announce it to the world is if I was able to come out and win.”
The final round was a rollercoaster, with Scottie Scheffler mounting a significant challenge. Scheffler, starting eight shots back, briefly tied for the lead with three eagles in his round of 63, including a remarkable 6-iron shot to 30 inches on the 18th. However, Morikawa’s resilience and clutch putting proved to be the difference.
Morikawa’s approach play was a key factor throughout the tournament, particularly on Saturday when he gained 6.46 shots on the field with his approach play, the most he’s amassed in a single round on the PGA Tour. He continued that form on Sunday, consistently putting himself in position for birdie opportunities.
The win at Pebble Beach marks Morikawa’s first PGA Tour title since the Zozo Championship in Japan in October 2023. It also represents a return to form for a player widely regarded as one of the most talented in the game. His previous victories include the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, establishing him as a major championship contender.
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a signature event on the PGA Tour, attracting a strong field and offering a substantial purse. The tournament’s challenging layout and stunning coastal scenery make it a favorite among players and fans alike. Morikawa’s victory adds another memorable chapter to the tournament’s rich history.
Straka and Lee both finished with impressive rounds, putting pressure on Morikawa down the stretch. Lee’s 7-under 65 was particularly noteworthy, but ultimately not enough to overcome Morikawa’s late heroics. Scheffler’s strong showing, despite falling short of victory, further solidifies his position as one of the top players in the world.
Morikawa’s victory is a testament to his dedication, skill, and mental fortitude. After a period of frustration and near misses, he has once again found his way to the winner’s circle, setting the stage for a potentially successful season. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether this win serves as a catalyst for further success, particularly with the major championship season on the horizon.
