Collin Morikawa, an incredibly talented golfer, recently made a bold move during the highly prestigious Masters tournament. Uniquely, Morikawa decided to switch putters in the midst of the competition, a decision that has significantly impacted his performance. As a result, he now finds himself just one stroke behind the leader heading into the final round.
During the opening round, Morikawa struggled with his putting, losing nearly four-tenths of a stroke on the greens according to DataGolf. Frustrated with his performance and lacking confidence in his current putter, he took the bold step of switching to the TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet putter – a choice that has been gaining popularity among professional golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, who himself had remarkable success using the same model at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Morikawa’s putting performance immediately improved after the switch. In the second round, he gained nearly three strokes on the greens, positioning himself as one of the top performers in this regard. With a strong showing on the following day, Morikawa shot a 69, securing the second-best round of the day and narrowing the gap between him and the leader, Scottie Scheffler, to just one stroke.
The decision to change putters mid-tournament was not the only modification Morikawa made to his golf bag. Prior to the Masters, he had already made significant changes by substituting his trusted TaylorMade SIM driver and 3-wood for the current year’s Qi10 LS and Qi10 Tour models. These alterations were aimed at optimizing his performance and adapting to the unique course layout at Augusta National.
It is worth mentioning that Morikawa is no stranger to putter switches, having done so on numerous occasions in the past. Reflecting on his decision, he recalls the fun memories of making such changes during his college days. This willingness to experiment with equipment emphasizes his commitment to consistently find ways to improve and achieve greater success.
Conclusion
Collin Morikawa’s unexpected mid-tournament putter switch at the Masters has proven to be a bold and fruitful decision. As he heads into the final round just one stroke behind the leader, his ability to adapt and make strategic equipment changes sets him apart as a golfer with exceptional skill and resourcefulness. The golfing world eagerly awaits his performance in the remaining round, where he has the opportunity to secure a remarkable victory and take significant steps towards the coveted career grand slam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why did Collin Morikawa decide to switch putters during the Masters?
Morikawa was dissatisfied with his putting performance during the first round of the Masters. He lacked comfort and confidence with his original putter, leading him to make a mid-tournament switch in search of better results.
Which putter did Collin Morikawa switch to?
Morikawa switched to the TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet putter, a model that has gained prominence among professional golfers due to its performance benefits.
Did the putter switch improve Collin Morikawa’s performance?
Yes, the putter switch had an immediate positive impact on Morikawa’s performance. He gained strokes on the greens in both rounds following the switch, improving his overall putting statistics and positioning himself as a major contender in the tournament.
Has Collin Morikawa made equipment changes mid-tournament before?
Yes, Morikawa has made putter switches during tournaments in the past, demonstrating his willingness to experiment with equipment in search of optimal performance. He attributes his college days as a time filled with enjoyable putter changes.
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