ORLANDO, Fla. – Collin Morikawa is once again at the top of the leaderboard at the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational, leading by one stroke as he aims to capture his first PGA Tour title since the Zozo Championship in Japan back in October 2023. After shooting a five-under 67 during the third round on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Morikawa stands at ten-under 206, putting him slightly ahead of fellow competitors Russell Henley and Corey Conners.
Morikawa's recent performance has garnered attention, especially as he's been reminded of his winless streak, which extends to 502 days. "Thank you for putting it in exact days. I hope you have it in hours and minutes," Morikawa quipped when confronted with the statistic by NBC Sports reporter Cara Banks. Despite feeling the pressure, he exudes confidence.
"I’ve gone longer without a win, but honestly, I look back at last year and it never felt like I had my game to just go out and just play golf," Morikawa said. "The guys winning on constant basis are playing free, and that's how I'm going to go out tomorrow.” This sense of liberation seems to resonate with Morikawa heading toward the tournament’s final stretch.
What’s particularly notable is Morikawa's recent play: he has demonstrated extraordinary ball-striking prowess, finishing the round with only four missed fairways and greens. He noted, "It’s been awhile since I've hit my irons like this; it honestly has. Just start lines, amount of cut, we're looking all the way back to 2021,essentially," referring to his previous state of excellence when he won two major championships.
The competition is fierce. Morikawa leads Henley, who scored 67 on the day and is now at nine-under, and Conners at eight-under, who had some struggles culminating his round with a bogey. Jason Day, another title contender, is three shots back. Such margins add excitement to the tournament as the final round approaches.
Morikawa's past struggles don't hinder him. Last season, he amassed eight top-10 finishes and two runner-up results. He’s consistently performed well, including his recent 17th-place finishes at Pebble Beach and Genesis. Yet, there’s something different about now. "It’s hard to win like this,” he reflected. Morikawa’s methodical preparation seems to be paying off as he strives for victory.
The conditions at Bay Hill are undoubtedly challenging, presenting thick rough and lightning-quick greens made even more difficult by the warm sunshine and dry winds. Players such as Rory McIlroy have found trailing behind with less favorable scores due to these demanding conditions. With only 18 holes left and the pressure mounting, Morikawa showed remarkable composure, even at challenging moments such as when he saw his second shot at the 10th hole land ineffectively.
Morikawa has to navigate strategically through the remainder of his round, particularly as fellow competitors look to capitalize on any errors he may make. He remarked, "You have to hit good shots out there. It can get you from any direction." This insight highlights his awareness of the course’s tough demeanor and the necessity of precision with each swing.
Emphasizing the emotional aspect of his mission, Morikawa’s statements carry weight. He’s not merely trying to win for himself but to reclaim his status after such a prolonged absence from the winner's circle. Waiting over 502 days can be grueling for any athlete focused on maintaining their norm and getting back to winning ways.
With the final round approaching on March 9, 2025, Morikawa is poised and ready. Aiming not just for another title, but for capturing the essence of his game, one marked more by freedom than by uncertainty, Morikawa stands at the precipice of potentially writing another chapter. This title at one of golf's revered venues could reinstate him to the forefront of the sport.
It’s about more than just winning for Morikawa; it is about demonstrating growth and mastery over his craft as he engages with the high-pressure environment of professional golf. On the cusp of achieving what could be considered his most significant victory since the last, the audience of sports enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate how the final round will unfurl.