Collin Morikawa has been at the center of a golf media firestorm following his decision to skip a post-round press conference after losing the Arnold Palmer Invitational last Sunday.
Here’s the rundown based on what’s been happening:
- After blowing a three-stroke lead late in the final round at Bay Hill, where Russell Henley overtook him with a dramatic eagle on the 16th hole, Morikawa opted not to speak to the media immediately afterward.
- This was a stinging defeat for the two-time major champion, who’s won just once since the 2021 season (2023 ZOZO Championship), despite consistently being in contention.
- On Tuesday at his Players Championship press conference, he explained his no-show, saying he was “heated” and “pissed” in the moment and felt he didn’t owe anyone an explanation right then. He added that if he’d had an hour to cool off, he might have talked, but he was already on his way to Ponte Vedra Beach for the next event.
- This stance didn’t sit well with some golf media figures and ex-players:
- Rocco Mediate, a six-time PGA Tour winner, went off on his SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio show, calling Morikawa’s reasoning “the biggest bunch of horseshit you could ever say” and “selfish garbage.” He argued that players owe it to fans, reporters, and the sport to face the press, win or lose, invoking what Arnold Palmer supposedly told him about the importance of accountability even after a bad day.
- Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee piled on during “Live From,” labeling Morikawa “fragile” and his media dodge “disrespectful” to fans, sponsors, and golf’s ecosystem. Chamblee contrasted Morikawa’s actions with players like Tom Watson and Greg Norman, who spoke candidly after devastating losses. Paul McGinley, another commentator, suggested this “reflects poorly” on the current generation of golfers.
- Morikawa didn’t back down: on Friday, after shooting a 7-under 65 in the second round of the Players Championship, he doubled down, speaking directly to the camera:
- “To the Brandel Chamblees, to the Paul McGinleys, to the Rocco Mediates of the world — I don’t regret anything I said.”
- He softened his “I don’t owe anyone anything” line slightly but maintained that in that moment of frustration, he was entitled to step away. This has sparked a broader debate about what players owe the media and fans versus their personal space after a tough loss.
- The criticism isn’t new for Morikawa — he’s clashed with golf media before. Back in 2022, he called out reporters for “fake news” when pressed about LIV Golf rumors, showing a skepticism toward the press that’s resurfaced here.
- Social media reflected a split in sentiment: some fans and analysts side with Mediate and Chamblee, seeing Morikawa’s actions as entitled, while others defend his right to process a loss privately, arguing the media are the ones who are entitled and overreacted to a one-off skip from a player who’s usually accessible.
Backing Collin Morikawa
The old boys on the @GolfCentral desk scolding @collin_morikawa because he didn't want to do an interview last week and then comparing him to the biggest speeches from losers in Majors from the last 30 years.
The old boys showing how out of touch they are with the modern players.— NTP Golf (@NTPGolf66) March 12, 2025
Backing Golf Media
Brandel your commentary was spot on Morikawa avoiding the media stabbing the PGA Tour and everyone involved by not giving at least 5 minutes. He is paid huge sums of money by the media rights. Be classy!! He wasn’t classy!!
— Glund (@Grantlundstrom2) March 12, 2025
