Augusta's Grittiest Performance Came From Collin Morikawa

Lost among the story of Rory McIlroy’s second Green Jacket is the performance of Collin Morikawa—a four-round grit fest that shouldn’t go forgotten.

Less than a month removed from withdrawing from THE PLAYERS Championship following a fluke back injury sustained during a practice swing on his second hole of the opening round, Morikawa showed up to Augusta National with little to rely on. He was obviously less than 100 percent, unable to swing at full speed. Even his gait was hindered—he paced more like the Honorary Starters than the other players in the field.

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His status for the weekend was in limbo after a Thursday 74, but a missed cut for the World No. 8 wouldn’t have been all that surprising given his physical health. On Friday, though, he canceled three bogeys with six birdies and posted a second-round 69, which safely earned him a place on the weekend tee sheet.

Sitting at 1 under for the tournament, Morikawa went out early and posted a Saturday 68, a round that included an eagle at the par-5 15th. Watching him manage his game, swinging with nothing but his arms, was a pleasure.

Finally, on Sunday, Morikawa limped his way to another 68 despite a double-bogey seven on the second hole. He was 1 over for the day after the 11th, but rattled off five straight birdies on Nos. 12-16.

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When it was all said and done, Morikawa finished in a tie for seventh, another yellow box in his major championship resume on Wikipedia.

As soon as Morikawa gets his back to full health, he’s going to be a problem for the rest of the PGA TOUR. He already won at Pebble Beach earlier this season, and has since finished T-7 at the Genesis, solo-fifth at the Arnold Palmer, and now T-7 at the Masters.

If he’s right, don’t be surprised if he contends at Aronimink.