As Collin Morikawa heard the sound, he was making his way to the range. The Sentry’s opening ceremony was in progress while he was getting ready to start his 2024 season.
An hour before the first tee time of the tournament, as the sun was rising over the Plantation Course at Kapalua, the activities got underway. It included chants and prayers to mark the beginning of a new year full of development, rejuvenation, and rebirth.
This year, that topic is especially significant as the neighboring community of Lahaina recovers from the fires of the previous year.
Morikawa is the only player on The Sentry field with stronger ties to Lahaina; his family used to own a restaurant there.
Morikawa became emotional on his walk to the driving range on Thursday morning, partly because of that link. It’s also the reason he was chosen to hit the opening tee shot of The Sentry and the 2024 PGA TOUR season.
“I am aware of the struggles faced by all; you hear it from these families and interact with everyone on the island who has either personally experienced or knows someone who has. Maui is a tiny island. Hawaii is a little island. Everyone is known to others. I just became sentimental. It was a privilege to be able to make that first tee shot, and it’s a wonderful way to start the new year.” Morikawa said.
Just 64 shots followed after his opening tee shot, extending his great start to the season. His 6 birdies plus an eagle mean that an additional $32,000 will be given to the relief efforts in Maui. This week, Morikawa has committed to giving $2,000 for each birdie and $4,000 for each eagle. Adidas, his clothing sponsor, has also offered to double his commitment.
On opening day, or Opening Drive in the case of the PGA TOUR, optimism is high since a new season offers countless opportunities. Nobody has had to put up with a run of poor putts or missed cuts. The number of victories that could be in store for you in the upcoming year is endless.
On Thursday, that optimism was clear. A player must be successful in order to be eligible to play The Sentry, and a strong performance on Thursday gives hope that the solid play will carry over into the new year.
Morikawa ended a two-year winless streak in October by winning the ZOZO Championship. It happened soon after he switched to Mark Blackburn as his coach. Morikawa’s confidence has returned as a result of their work on his body rotation; he no longer sees the ball miss left. It seems as though he has reverted to his previous form, resembling the player who claimed 5 victories in his 3 three seasons, including 2 majors.
His only Green miss on Thursday was one.
“You’re going to make horrible shots, but all I can ask for is the mental freedom to swing as hard and cleanly as I want without worrying about where the ball will end up.” Morikawa said.
There isn’t a challenge like Kapalua’s Plantation Course anyplace else on the PGA TOUR. Due to the frequent strong winds that batter this mountainous course, wide fairways, and large greens were constructed. However, what really sets it apart are the steep slopes that require players to hit shots they wouldn’t normally have to. Additionally, for Morikawa Thursday’s opening tee shot was unmatched.
“That was the greatest honor I could have received. All that this week stands for to me, not because it was the opening event of the year, but because it was held here in Maui. It simply has greater meaning.” Morikawa said.
