Collin Morikawa Biography, Career, Wife Katherine Zhu, and Media Controversy

Collin Morikawa has established himself as one of professional golf’s most precise ball-strikers and two-time major champion, captivating audiences worldwide with his meteoric rise from collegiate standout to PGA Tour superstar. Born in Los Angeles with Japanese-Chinese heritage, Morikawa represents a new generation of golfers who combine technical excellence with cultural diversity, making him one of the most marketable and influential figures in the sport today. As of 2026, he continues to compete at the highest level while navigating the complexities of professional golf’s evolving landscape.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Collin Morikawa was born on February 6, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, to Blaine and Debbie Morikawa . His multicultural heritage reflects the diverse fabric of modern America—his father is Japanese-American from Hawaii, while his mother is Chinese-American from California . This unique background has profoundly influenced Morikawa’s identity and connection to fans across the Pacific.

Growing up in La Cañada Flintridge, California, Morikawa was introduced to golf at the tender age of five when his parents enrolled him in a junior golf camp at Scholl Canyon . Despite being technically too young for the program, his natural swing mechanics caught the attention of instructors, particularly Rick Sessinghaus, who remains his coach to this day .

Morikawa attended La Cañada High School, where he was a four-time Rio Hondo League MVP and won the Champions Invitational by an astounding 14 shots during his senior year, including an opening-round 61 . His amateur career flourished as he became the top-ranked amateur golfer in the world for three weeks in 2018 .

In 2015, Morikawa enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in Business Administration at the prestigious Haas School of Business . His collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular—he became the first player in Cal history to earn PING Division I All-American honors for four consecutive years and first-team recognition three times . He set the NCAA single-season stroke average record with 68.68 in 2017-18 and finished his career as Cal’s all-time stroke average leader .

During his time at Cal, Morikawa won the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, earned Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Year honors, and represented Team USA in the 2017 Walker Cup, where he achieved a perfect 4-0 record . He graduated in May 2019 and turned professional immediately, making his PGA Tour debut at the 2019 Canadian Open .

Career Journey

Rookie Sensation (2019-2020)

Morikawa’s transition to professional golf was seamless. In just his sixth professional start, he won the 2019 Barracuda Championship in Nevada, securing his PGA Tour card for the 2019-20 season . This victory made him one of the fastest players to earn full Tour status in recent memory.

The 2020 season catapulted Morikawa into superstardom. At the Workday Charity Open in July 2020, he captured his second PGA Tour title in a playoff against justin thomas . However, his defining moment came at the 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. In his major championship debut, Morikawa seized the lead on Sunday with a spectacular eagle on the par-4 16th hole, becoming the first player to win a major in his debut since Ben Curtis in 2003 . At 23, he was the third-youngest PGA Championship winner in history .

Major Champion & World No. 1 Contender (2021-2022)

2021 proved to be Morikawa’s career-defining year. In July, he won The Open Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club in his debut appearance, becoming the first player to win two different majors in his first attempt at each . His bogey-free final round 66 saw him overtake Louis Oosthuizen to win by two strokes . This victory made him the first player since Bobby Jones in 1926 to win two majors in eight or fewer starts .

Later that year, Morikawa won the WGC-Workday Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, securing the European Tour’s Race to Dubai title—making him the first American to win that honor . He also represented Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing fourth .

In 2022, Morikawa continued his consistent play, though major victories eluded him. He tied for fifth at the 2022 Masters and represented the United States at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome .

The Winless Drought & Recent Resurgence (2023-2026)

After winning the Zozo Championship in October 2023, Morikawa entered a challenging 16-month winless streak that tested his mental fortitude . During this period, he recorded 11 runner-up finishes and numerous top-10s but struggled to close out tournaments .

The 2024 season showed signs of resurgence with a runner-up finish at the TOUR Championship, earning him a $12.5 million bonus . However, the 2025 season brought significant challenges and changes. In February 2026, Morikawa broke his winless streak with a dramatic victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, capturing his seventh PGA Tour title and $3.6 million in prize money .

Career Statistics & Achievements

PGA Tour Wins (7):

1. 2019 Barracuda Championship
2. 2020 Workday Charity Open
3. 2020 PGA Championship (Major)
4. 2021 WGC-Workday Championship
5. 2021 Open Championship (Major)
6. 2023 Zozo Championship
7. 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Major Championship Record:

• Masters Tournament: Best finish T-3 (2024)
• PGA Championship: Winner (2020), T-4 (2024)
• U.S. Open: T-4 (2021), T-5 (2022)
• The Open Championship: Winner (2021)

Career Earnings: Over $77 million in official prize money and bonuses as of 2025

FedEx Cup: Runner-up (2024)

Personal Life

Marriage to Katherine Zhu

Collin Morikawa’s personal life centers around his relationship with Katherine Zhu, whom he met in March 2017 during their collegiate golf careers . At the time, Morikawa was competing for UC Berkeley while Zhu played for Pepperdine University .

Born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1996, Katherine moved to China during her childhood, attending Zhuji Hailiang Private High School before returning to North America for college . Like Morikawa, she comes from an athletic family—her father, Mike Chu, was an ITF-ranked tennis player, and her mother was a track runner . Katherine played collegiate golf at Pepperdine, appearing in 39 events with three top-10 finishes while earning multiple academic honors including WGCA All-American Scholar and Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar .

The couple began dating in 2017, with Morikawa later crediting Zhu for his success: “I didn’t start winning in college until she showed up in my life, so thanks Kat” . After five years together, Morikawa proposed on November 30, 2021, later admitting he was “way more nervous proposing” than competing in golf majors .

They married on November 26, 2022, at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles in an intimate black-and-white themed ceremony attended by approximately 100 guests, including their goldendoodle Koa, who wore a tuxedo . The bride wore Vera Wang for the ceremony and Galia Lahav for the reception .

The couple currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, and shares a passion for fitness—Katherine has competed in half marathons, with Collin often supporting her running endeavors . They have no children as of 2026 but remain one of golf’s most visible power couples, with Katherine frequently caddying for Collin in pro-am events and supporting him at major championships .

Family Background

Morikawa maintains close ties to his family. His parents, Blaine and Debbie, owned a successful commercial laundry business in downtown Los Angeles that provided Collin and his younger brother Garrett with a comfortable upbringing . Garrett, born in 2004, attended UC Berkeley studying business marketing and management, though he prefers soccer to golf .

Morikawa embraces his Japanese-Chinese heritage, often speaking about the pride he feels representing Asian-Americans in golf. “My dad is a Japanese-American from Hawaii, and my mom is a Chinese-American from California,” he wrote in a 2020 Sky Sports column. “There’s a sense of pride in that. They can see that someone like them has been able to succeed out here on the PGA Tour” .

Controversies

The 2025 Media Firestorm

Morikawa’s previously pristine reputation faced significant scrutiny in 2025 following a series of incidents that sparked debate about athlete-media relations and professional conduct.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational Incident (March 2025)

Following a devastating final-round collapse at the Arnold Palmer Invitational—where he lost a three-shot lead with five holes to play to finish second—Morikawa declined to speak with the media . When questioned about this decision days later at The Players Championship, Morikawa stated, “I don’t owe anyone anything. No offense to you guys, but for me in the moment of that time, I didn’t want to be around anyone” .

This comment triggered intense criticism from prominent golf commentators. Brandel Chamblee called Morikawa “fragile” and “so disrespectful” on Golf Channel . Paul McGinley agreed, while PGA Tour Champions player Rocco Mediate delivered a scathing radio rant calling Morikawa’s comments “the biggest bunch of horses—” and “pathetic” .

Morikawa doubled down during his Players Championship press conference, directly naming his critics: “To the Brandel Chamblees, to the Paul McGinleys, to the Rocco Mediates of the world, I don’t regret anything I said” . He defended himself by noting he signed autographs for 10-15 minutes after the round, arguing that his actions toward fans demonstrated his character .

The Golfweek Dispute (June 2025)

The controversy continued at the Rocket Classic in June 2025 when Morikawa had a disagreement with Golfweek reporter Adam Schupak . Morikawa publicly addressed the situation, stating, “I think I have to stand up for myself because I’m not going to let someone just throw little jabs at me and just make me into someone I’m not” . Some fans reacted negatively, with social media posts suggesting boycotts of Morikawa’s appearances .

Caddie Changes & Instability

2025 marked a period of significant upheaval in Morikawa’s professional team. In April 2025, he surprisingly parted ways with J.J. Jakovac, his only caddie since turning professional in 2019 . Jakovac had been on the bag for all six of Morikawa’s PGA Tour victories, including both major championships .

Morikawa hired Joe Greiner, formerly Max Homa’s caddie, but the partnership lasted only five tournaments . After lackluster results including a T-50 at the PGA Championship and T-42 at the Travelers Championship, Morikawa split with Greiner in June 2025 . He explained, “Just because two people are great at what they do doesn’t mean we’re going to be great together” .

The caddie carousel continued with temporary replacements including college teammate KK Limbhasut and legendary caddie Billy Foster, leaving questions about Morikawa’s stability heading into the 2025 Open Championship .

Ryder Cup 2025 Struggles

At the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Morikawa and teammate Harris English lost both foursomes matches they played, contributing to Team USA’s disappointing performance . The pairing was questioned by analysts, with some suggesting captain Keegan Bradley’s decisions put Morikawa in difficult positions .

Awards & Achievements

• 2 Major Championships: 2020 PGA Championship, 2021 Open Championship
• 7 PGA Tour Victories (as of February 2026)
• 2021 European Tour Race to Dubai Champion (first American to win)
• 2020 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year (unofficial, recognized by media)
• 4-time PING Division I All-American (First Team: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19)
• 2018-19 Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Year
• 2018 Golfweek Men’s Player of the Year (collegiate)
• 2-time Ben Hogan Award Finalist (2018, 2019)
• 2019 Pac-12 Individual Champion
• 2020 Tokyo Olympics: 4th place (Team USA)
• Ryder Cup Record: 4-3-1 (2021, 2023, 2025)
• Presidents Cup: 2022, 2024 (Team USA)

Physical Statistics

Despite not possessing the towering physique of some competitors, Morikawa’s physical attributes complement his technical precision. His 5’9″ frame and 160-pound build allow for a repeatable, efficient swing that generates exceptional accuracy rather than raw power .

Quotes

While Morikawa is not known for lengthy philosophical quotes, several statements capture his competitive mindset and character:

On his multicultural heritage:

“My dad is a Japanese-American from Hawaii, and my mom is a Chinese-American from California, but the fans there could still see that they are similar to me, and there’s a sense of pride in that. They can see that someone like them has been able to succeed out here on the PGA Tour.”

On marriage to Katherine:

“We found each other by chance, but we chose to share our lives and dreams together. Marriage means to be in love with each other for the rest of our lives.”

On the caddie-player relationship (2025):

“Just because two people are great at what they do doesn’t mean we’re going to be great together… I spend more time with them than anyone else in the world honestly. I spend more time with them than my wife sometimes. It’s a true relationship.”

On media criticism (2025):

“I don’t owe anyone anything… I respect the fans. I’m very thankful for them. I’m grateful. It makes me emotional, but it’s just—it hurts to hear people say this.”

Favorites

While specific details about Morikawa’s favorite foods, music, and entertainment preferences are not extensively documented in public sources, several interests have emerged through interviews and social media:

• Food: Morikawa has expressed enthusiasm for exploring local cuisines during tournament travel, particularly enjoying Japanese food that connects to his heritage
• Fitness: Both Collin and Katherine are dedicated to physical fitness, with Katherine’s half-marathon training suggesting a shared commitment to running and exercise
• Golf Courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links holds special significance following his 2026 victory there
• Travel: Japan holds particular importance due to his family heritage and professional success (Zozo Championship win)
• Pets: The couple’s goldendoodle, Koa, is frequently featured on social media and even attended their wedding

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2026, Collin Morikawa’s financial standing reflects his status as one of golf’s elite players:

Career Earnings: Over $77 million in official prize money and bonuses

• 2024 Season: $29.7 million (including $12.5 million FedEx Cup runner-up bonus)
• 2025 Season: $7.9 million
• 2026 Pebble Beach Win: $3.6 million

Net Worth Estimate: $15-20 million (various sources)

Income Sources:

• Tournament prize money
• FedEx Cup bonuses
• Player Impact Program payments ($10.5 million career total through 2024)
• Endorsement deals (TaylorMade, Adidas, Omega, and others)
• Appearance fees (international events)

Morikawa’s financial success stems from both on-course performance and off-course marketability. His clean image, multicultural background, and major championship pedigree make him attractive to global brands, though the 2025 controversies may have temporarily affected his public perception.

Interesting Facts

1. Historic Major Debut: Morikawa is one of only two players in history to win two different majors in his first attempt at each (the other being Bobby Jones) .
2. Record-Breaking Amateur: He held the NCAA single-season stroke average record (68.68) until it was recently broken .
3. Cal Legacy: Morikawa is Cal’s all-time stroke average leader and the only four-time All-American in school history .
4. Family Restaurant History: Morikawa’s paternal grandparents operated “Morikawa Restaurant” in Lahaina, Maui, decades ago—a fact discovered when a fan found an old matchbox on eBay and gifted it to Collin .
5. Perfect Walker Cup: Morikawa went 4-0 in the 2017 Walker Cup, helping Team USA to a 19-7 victory .
6. Cultural Ambassador: He takes pride in inspiring Asian-American youth, hoping to diversify golf’s participant base .
7. Wedding Details: His dog Koa wore a custom tuxedo to the wedding, and the recessional featured “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons .
8. Business Degree: Unlike many professional golfers who leave college early, Morikawa completed his business administration degree from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business .
9. Caddie Connection: His former caddie J.J. Jakovac was with him for every professional win from 2019-2025, making their April 2025 split particularly significant .
10. Vegas Resident: Despite his Los Angeles roots, Morikawa currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada .

Did You Know?

• Morikawa made 22 consecutive cuts to start his PGA Tour career, second only to Tiger Woods’ record of 25 .
• He won the 2021 Open Championship with a bogey-free final round—only the second player in history to do so in a major debut .
• His wife Katherine has caddied for him in several pro-am events, including the Masters Par 3 Contest .
• Morikawa’s 2026 Pebble Beach victory came during a Signature Event with a stacked field, proving his ability to compete against the world’s best .
• He has never won the Masters Tournament but has finished in the top-5 twice, including a T-3 in 2024 .

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @collin_morikawa
• Twitter/X: @collin_morikawa
• Facebook: Collin Morikawa Official
• PGA Tour Profile: pgatour.com/player/50525

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Collin Morikawa?
Collin Morikawa was born on February 6, 1997, making him 29 years old years old as of 2026 .

Who is Collin Morikawa’s wife?
Collin Morikawa is married to Katherine Zhu Morikawa (née Zhu). They met in 2017 while playing collegiate golf—Collin at UC Berkeley and Katherine at Pepperdine—and married on November 26, 2022 .

How many major championships has Collin Morikawa won?
Morikawa has won two major championships: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship .

What is Collin Morikawa’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $15-20 million, with career earnings exceeding $77 million in prize money and bonuses .

Why did Collin Morikawa change caddies in 2025?
In April 2025, Morikawa split with longtime caddie J.J. Jakovac after six years together. He briefly employed Joe Greiner before splitting with him in June 2025 after five tournaments, citing that they were “on a different page” despite both being “great at what they do” .

What is Collin Morikawa’s ethnicity?
Morikawa is Japanese-Chinese American. His father is Japanese-American from Hawaii, and his mother is Chinese-American from California .

Has Collin Morikawa won the Masters?
No, Morikawa has not won the Masters Tournament. His best finish is T-3 in 2024 .

What controversies has Collin Morikawa been involved in?
In 2025, Morikawa faced criticism for declining media interviews after the Arnold Palmer Invitational and for his subsequent comments that he “doesn’t owe anyone anything.” He also had a public dispute with a Golfweek reporter in June 2025 .

Where did Collin Morikawa go to college?
He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a four-time All-American and graduated with a business administration degree in 2019 .

What is Collin Morikawa’s height?
Morikawa stands 5’9″ (175 cm) tall .

Conclusion

Collin Morikawa’s journey from Los Angeles junior golfer to two-time major champion represents the modern American dream—multicultural, educated, and exceptionally talented. At just 29 years old years old, he has already secured his place in golf history with his unique major championship record and precise playing style.

The 2025-2026 period has tested Morikawa’s resilience, with winless streaks, caddie changes, and media controversies challenging his previously unblemished reputation. However, his February 2026 victory at Pebble Beach demonstrates that his competitive fire remains intact.

As he continues his pursuit of the career Grand Slam—needing only the Masters and U.S. Open titles—Morikawa serves as an inspiration for the next generation of golfers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. His story illustrates that success in professional golf requires not just physical talent but mental fortitude, adaptability, and the courage to stand by one’s convictions.

Whether he can return to consistent major championship contention and repair his public image remains to be seen, but Collin Morikawa’s place among golf’s elite is secure. His precision iron play, business acumen, and multicultural perspective position him as a defining figure of his generation.

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