Golf's Response to Mistakes Showcased by Scheffler, Morikawa, and Kim

Recent performances from top golfers illustrate the power of staying calm, rediscovering joy, and trusting instincts

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Golf is a game of navigating mistakes, and recent performances from Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Anthony Kim demonstrate this principle. Scheffler has faced slow starts but remained calm to rebound, Morikawa rediscovered the joy of playing after a winless drought, and Kim returned to form after a 12-year absence by reverting to his fundamental strengths. These stories offer valuable lessons for players of all levels, including embracing imperfection, reconnecting with the game's basics, and trusting one's subconscious abilities.

Why it matters

These golfers' experiences highlight the importance of mental resilience, adaptability, and a balanced approach in the sport of golf. Their stories provide insights that can inspire and guide players of all skill levels to improve their own game and mindset.

The details

Scottie Scheffler has faced slow starts in recent tournaments, opening with rounds of 73, 72, and 74. However, his ability to remain calm and avoid panic allowed him to rebound, tying for third at the WM Phoenix Open and fourth at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Collin Morikawa experienced a winless drought lasting over two years, but he found a turning point when he refocused on simply 'playing golf' and rediscovered the creativity and freedom that had characterized his early game. Anthony Kim's return to professional golf after a 12-year absence was remarkable, culminating in a victory at LIV Golf's Adelaide event. His coach, Matt Killen, emphasized the importance of reverting to Kim's fundamental strengths rather than attempting a complete overhaul.

  • Scheffler opened with a 73 at the WM Phoenix Open.
  • Scheffler opened with a 72 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
  • Scheffler opened with a 74 at the Genesis Invitational.
  • Morikawa's winless drought lasted over two years, following his victory at the 2023 Zozo Championship.
  • Kim returned to professional golf after a 12-year absence, winning the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

A professional golfer who has faced slow starts in recent tournaments but has demonstrated the ability to remain calm and rebound.

Collin Morikawa

A professional golfer who experienced a winless drought lasting over two years, but rediscovered the joy of playing golf and regained his confidence.

Anthony Kim

A professional golfer who returned to the sport after a 12-year absence, winning the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.

Matt Killen

Anthony Kim's coach, who emphasized the importance of reverting to Kim's fundamental strengths rather than attempting a complete overhaul.

Dr. Bob Rotella

A renowned sports psychologist who wrote the book 'Golf Is Not A Perfect Game', which eloquently described golf as a game of responding to mistakes.

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What they’re saying

“I think these are some of the weeks when you look back, I'm particularly proud of sticking with it, not giving up even when I felt like things were going against me this week. Just kept fighting, kept trying to hit shots, kept trying to execute.”

— Scottie Scheffler (newsy-today.com)

“I think I've been trying to build golf so perfect trying to hit these shots and trying to make these putts in a certain way, that maybe others are doing it that you forget how to play the game of golf. I think looking back when I was 10, 12, 15 growing up… I played golf.”

— Collin Morikawa (newsy-today.com)

“I don't think either one of us was like, 'OK, I hope you play quality.' We were like, 'Hey, you've got to go do this. Like, how are you going to do it?' And he said he's going to do it.”

— Matt Killen, Anthony Kim's Coach (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These three stories highlight the power of simplicity and trusting one's instincts in golf. Embracing imperfection, reconnecting with the fundamentals, and allowing one's subconscious abilities to take over can lead to improved performance and a renewed sense of joy in the game.