PGA Tour star Collin Morikawa opens up on issues with golf media in 2025

PGA Tour star Collin Morikawa has opened up on some of the issues he's had with the media in 2025. 

The US golfer faced criticism in March after he declined post-round interviews at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at famed Bay Hill. 

Morikawa was pipped down the stretch by compatriot Russell Henley and the defeat was immensely frustrating for the two-time major champion. 

He was attempting to get into the winner's circle for the first time in more than two years. 

Unsurprisingly, Morikawa was devastated and did not want to speak to anyone. 

A week later, he backed his decision by saying he "doesn't owe anyone anything". 

His position drew criticism from media commentators and former players such as Paul McGinley, Brandel Chamblee and Rocco Mediate. 

Multiple major champion Jack Nicklaus told reporters that professional golfers have a responsibility to speak to the media. 

"I've enjoyed my relationship with the press," Nicklaus previously said. 

"I've always felt that you guys and gals have a job to do - and for you to do your job you need to talk to me. 

"And whether I played well or whether I played poorly, if you still want to talk to me, I'll talk to you. And I always have."

Morikawa doubled down on his position ahead of The Players Championship. 

He made it clear that he signed autographs at Bay Hill, adding: "I might bite my tongue after saying this.

"But to the Brandel Chamblees, to the Paul McGinleys, to the Rocco Mediates of the world — I don't regret anything I said. 

"You know, it might have been a little bit harsh that I don't owe anyone, but I don't owe anyone."

Morikawa told the most recent edition of the Fore Play Plus podcast that he also didn't want to speak at Bay Hill because he knew he would face consequences.

"The things I would have said, I know I would have been fined, like in the heat of the moment," he told the podcast. "We would all be.

"I know some people want to hear that, but I don't want to pay a fine! A lot of NBA guys, they know they are going to get fined, it's fine, they're going to pay it. 

"That's part of the nature of going off at an ump (umpire or referee), or whatever."

He added: "For us, that's not what golf has been. Doesn't mean it won't. Doesn't mean you won't get guys who just go out and say stuff, but I don't need that extra

"I would have started off with, 'I'm f---ing p-----, well I just f---ing blew that'. I want to go in my car and drive away."

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Morikawa did not get a win on the PGA Tour this season. 

He recorded one more top-10 finish after his near miss at Bay Hill and hired and fired numerous caddies. 

Morikawa parted ways with JJ Jakovac ahead of The Masters, turning to Max Homa's former looper Joe Greiner. 

That partnership lasted five events before he turned to his former college teammate, K.K. Limbhasut as a temporary caddie. 

Billy Foster carried his sticks at the Scottish Open and The Open. 

Tony Finau's former caddie Mark Urbanek was hired by Morikawa ahead of the play-offs. 

Despite an up-and-down season, Morikawa was selected as one of Keegan Bradley's captain's picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. 

Morikawa struggled immensely against Europe, contributing 0.5 points from three matches. 

His pairing with Harris English in the foursomes was criticised. 

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