The unusual hiccup in performance has been a source of dissatisfaction for a player who has had a smooth, steady ascension through the pro ranks — from one win in 2019 to two in 2020 and three last year.
"This entire year has been strange," Morikawa said at the US Open on Tuesday. "I'm known for my irons and for hitting cutbacks." "It's simply that shot hasn't been there." Morikawa, who has always been a hard worker than a ball-beater, said he'd spent more time on the range this year than at any other point in his career.
His recent results haven't been bad – four straight finishes outside the top 25, including a solo fifth at the Masters – but he still hasn't won a major championship. At the very least, it's been a surprisingly quiet period for a budding star who was just one high finish away from becoming the first woman to reach world No. 1 for the first time.
He said, "I think it's taught me much about what kind of player I am." "I only want to play golf." I believe the best players are out there, regardless of how good or horrible they are. They can put the ball in the hole, and I've been so concerned about trying to hit this cut – almost forcing one.
Why don't you play my miss or my shot shape? Rory [McIlroy], Tiger [Woods], and all the greats before us did the same thing: they worked with what they had."
There hasn't been a significant drop-off in terms of statistics. Morikawa is still in fifth place in approach play this season, gaining more than 0.8 strokes per round on the course with his irons. Last season, he was the Tour's leader in that category (1.170). It hasn't been as consistent as it should have been.
That's something Morikawa and swing coach Rick Sessinghaus are currently working out.
They understand that it comes down to face control with his irons, but they haven't yet "struck the jackpot." Morikawa has watched and tried every swing video on his phone.
"When you wake up, and I'm emailing my agent or a friend and say, 'Hey, did you hear about this?'" It's entertaining and intriguing because it's gossip. And who doesn't enjoy a good bit of gossip? However, it can become a distraction, and you don't want to be distracted. He advised, "You want to be focused on playing golf."
"Over the last six months, I would say - I'm not going to blame it on any aspect of my golf game." Set it away. However, it is an additional distraction from thinking about this or that or worrying about who will question what."
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