Collin Morikawa Returns with Vengeance: A Monday Comeback Story That Could Reshape the PGA Tour Season… Read more…
July 28, 2025 – Greensboro, NC – As the PGA Tour gears up for the final stretch of its regular season, a familiar name is making a thunderous return to the field: Collin Morikawa, the two-time major winner and one of the sport’s most poised and technically gifted players, is officially back—and by all early indications, he’s not returning quietly.
After a month-long hiatus to address lingering back and hip tightness, Morikawa announced Monday morning that he will compete in next week’s Wyndham Championship, a crucial stop for players seeking to cement their spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. For Morikawa, who currently sits 72nd in the FedEx standings, every hole now carries enormous weight.
“This is the stretch that separates contenders from pretenders,” Morikawa told reporters via a video message. “I’ve rested. I’ve realigned. And I’m ready to fight.”
The Layoff: Smart or Risky?
Morikawa’s decision to step away after a middling showing at the Travelers Championship raised eyebrows. With playoff points on the line and only a handful of events remaining, some analysts wondered if skipping tournaments would hurt his ranking beyond repair.
But those close to the 28-year-old insist the time off was strategic. “He wasn’t physically broken, but he wasn’t sharp either,” said longtime coach Rick Sessinghaus. “Collin needed to hit the reset button—not just physically, but mentally. And now he’s coming back like a man on a mission.”
Training in high-altitude Colorado, Morikawa focused on rebuilding the explosiveness in his swing, increasing flexibility, and honing his short game—an area that’s been inconsistent this season.
Wyndham Stakes: More Than Just Playoff Positioning
Next week’s Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club isn’t just another tour stop for Morikawa—it’s now a proving ground. Currently outside the FedEx Cup Top 70, he must finish strong to punch his ticket into the first round of the playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis.
If he misses the cut, it could be the first time in his professional career that Morikawa fails to qualify for the postseason—a potentially shocking statistic for a player who won the PGA Championship in just his second major appearance and added the Open Championship a year later.
“I know where I stand. I’ve done the math. But I’m not chasing numbers—I’m chasing my best golf,” Morikawa added in a statement.
The Bigger Picture: Redemption Arc in Motion?
This season has been something of a mixed bag for Morikawa. Though he began 2025 with a promising Top 10 at The American Express and flashed brilliance at The Masters (T11), injuries and inconsistency plagued his middle season. Critics questioned whether he had lost the edge that made him one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars from 2020 to 2022.
But those who’ve followed Morikawa closely believe this comeback could be the start of something bigger. He’s reconnected with his original swing coach, fine-tuned his equipment setup, and reportedly has a new mental coach focusing on resilience and situational confidence.
One Tour caddie anonymously shared, “Don’t sleep on Collin. He’s one hot round away from owning a leaderboard again. And when he gets that look in his eye, it’s game over for the field.”
Tour Reactions: Respect and Rivalry
On Monday, several fellow players weighed in on Morikawa’s return:
- Scottie Scheffler: “Glad to see him back. The Tour needs him, and so do the fans.”
- Rory McIlroy: “He’s one of the purest ball strikers we’ve ever seen. If he’s healthy and focused, he can win anywhere.”
- Ludvig Åberg, who’s had a breakout 2025 season, added: “I’ve looked up to Collin. Competing with him at Wyndham will be a thrill.”
That level of respect underscores just how impactful Morikawa’s presence is—not only in terms of competition, but in the narrative fabric of the PGA Tour.
What’s at Stake: Career Momentum, Legacy, and Team USA
Morikawa’s return isn’t just about the FedEx Cup. It also plays directly into the selection process for Team USA at the 2025 Summer Olympics in Paris. With limited slots and fierce competition from names like Max Homa, Sam Burns, and Tony Finau, every performance from now until August could tip the scale.
A strong showing at Wyndham, followed by potential playoff success, could punch his ticket to the Olympics and signal that Morikawa’s prime isn’t fading—it’s just beginning its second act.
Final Thoughts: Eyes on Greensboro
As Monday closes, anticipation is already building for next week. The PGA Tour’s social media accounts have leaned into the hype, releasing a new highlight reel titled “Morikawa Returns: Precision Reloaded.”
Fans are eager. Analysts are watching. And Collin Morikawa, calm as ever, is ready to let his clubs do the talking.
Whether he climbs the leaderboard or not, one thing is clear: Morikawa’s Monday comeback has reignited the spark—and the season may never be the same.
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