Morikawa Taking 'Day by Day' Approach to Masters

World No. 7 golfer uncertain about playing due to recent back injury

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:09am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing deconstructed into overlapping planes of muted green, brown, and gray tones, conveying the physical and mental challenges of elite golf.Morikawa's uncertain status for the Masters underscores the physical challenges facing top golfers as they navigate injuries and setbacks.Augusta Today

Collin Morikawa, the world's 7th-ranked golfer, said he is taking things 'day by day' as he recovers from a recent back injury that threatens his participation in this week's Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Morikawa has not played since withdrawing from The Players Championship in mid-March and last week's Masters tune-up event due to back spasms and other physical issues.

Why it matters

Morikawa is a two-time major champion and one of the top players in professional golf. His potential absence from the Masters, one of the sport's most prestigious events, would be a significant loss for the tournament and the sport. Morikawa has finished in the top 20 at Augusta National in each of the past five years.

The details

Morikawa said his back 'actually feels fine' but that 'other parts of the body' are not cooperating, making it difficult for him to hit certain shots. He has been hitting balls for the past week but does not yet have the comfort level he would like going into the Masters. Morikawa spent part of Monday playing a nine-hole practice round with fellow top players Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young.

  • Morikawa withdrew from The Players Championship in mid-March after one hole due to back spasms.
  • Morikawa then withdrew from last week's Masters tune-up event in San Antonio with a back injury.

The players

Collin Morikawa

A two-time major champion and the world's 7th-ranked golfer, who is uncertain about his participation in this week's Masters tournament due to a recent back injury.

Scottie Scheffler

A four-time major champion who Morikawa played a practice round with on Monday at Augusta National.

Cameron Young

The world's 3rd-ranked golfer who Morikawa played a practice round with on Monday at Augusta National.

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What they’re saying

“The honest truth is I'm taking it day by day. It's not exactly where I want to be, and it's unfortunate, but that's just the body, and I can't push it.”

— Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer

“It's a work in progress. But each day just staying positive, trying to get through it.”

— Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer

“It's frustrating, but at the same time, I can't do anything stupid and push my body in a way it doesn't want to do.”

— Collin Morikawa, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Morikawa will continue to monitor his back injury and make a final decision on his Masters participation in the coming days. The first round of the tournament is scheduled for Thursday, April 10.

The takeaway

Morikawa's uncertain status for the Masters highlights the challenges elite golfers face in managing injuries and physical setbacks. His potential absence would be a significant loss for the tournament, but Morikawa is wisely prioritizing his long-term health over short-term competitive goals.