In the main, golf media and the players on the PGA Tour seem to work in relative harmony and it’s very rare we see players take a dig back at the media. That is, until Collin Morikawa teed off in the media zone after his second round at The Players.
After putting himself in contention to win with a fine round of seven under par, Morikawa was being interviewed by journalists in the media zone.
However, when it looked like things were wrapping up, Morikawa then went into a rant back at those golf analysts who’d criticised him for not doing media after he finished second at The Arnold Palmer.
“I just want to add one more thing. I might bite my tongue after saying this…but to the Brandel Chamblee’s, the Rocco Mediate’s, the Paul McGinley’s, I don’t regret anything I said,” Morikawa said.
“It might have been a little bit harsh that I don’t owe anyone. But I don’t owe anyone. I respect the fans, I’m grateful for them you know it makes me emotional but it hurts to hear people say this, especially you guys [the media].
“I finished the round and I went to go and sign for ten or 15 minutes afterwards. Not a single person from media went to follow me, because I don’t know, that’s me. So for people calling me out, it’s interesting. It doesn’t show anything. I get what you guys are saying but I was signing for every person after the round. I had finished second, they couldn’t care less. So yeah, I’m going to leave it at that.”
However, after witnessing such a statement from Morikawa, it seems that the golf fans around the world are very much divided over his stance.
Golf fans split as Collin Morikawa gives controversial interview at The Players
Usually when there is a big incident in a big sporting event, it’s pretty clear what side of the fence the fans sit on.
However, on this occasion with Morikawa and his comments, it seems to have left golf fans either firmly on one side – his – or another – the media.
Over on social media platform X, there was an abundance of talk about Morikawa’s interview. And it’s safe to say there was plenty of reasoning for both sides.
One fan didn’t fancy siding with Morikawa at all though, branding the two-time major winner as ‘pampered’.
While continuing the criticism, one fan went into quite the rant about Morikawa’s behaviour.
“Is this guy a narcissist or what? He is everything that is wrong with professional golf. It wasn’t right when Tiger did it, and it’s not right when Rory or Collin does it.”
And going further in the Morikawa bashing, another questioned the validity of his comments.
“This guy doesn’t get it. It was a privilege he went and signed for 10 minutes after he played golf, jeez!! You are supposed to be a professional win or lose. Your a professional and an adult, control your damn emotions for a 5 minute press conference you f—– baby!!”
However, as mentioned, this debate has a fair bit of balance to it, and one fan suggested the media are indeed owed nothing by the world number four.
“Who gives a damn if he blows an interview off. It’s his choice to make. The tour can fine him if they want. I don’t even play for more than maybe $100 when I play and if I play bad, I don’t want to talk to anyone either. Lol I don’t blame him for feeling that way after losing”
That sort of stance was backed up too, as more fans suggested similar.
“Love this. He doesn’t owe the golf “journalists” anything and he is extremely appreciative of the fans Collin getting some fire in him could be bad news for the field!”
“Completely right, media always act so entitled like they deserve everything out of these guys, most of the media are tools whose opinions most people wouldn’t give two s—- about, good on bro for standing up for himself”
Finally, in the interest of balance again, one fan seemed down the middle with it, suggesting the media deserve comment, but sometimes, days later can be better.
“The media is mad that you don’t do media after a round. Figures. I’d rather hear from someone after a couple of days to take it in. It’s annoying cause we want these “hot takes” and then we are critical of the responses when people are still in the heat of the moment.”
Are PGA Tour players getting fed up with certain media questions?
There has been a certain edginess in the media room all week at The Players and Morikawa’s comments are just one of a few to catch the eye.
Of course, the big talking point before tee off was Rory McIlroy taking a phone off a heckling fan.
McIlroy refused to divulge the situation much further and in the interview, chirped back ‘because I don’t want you to’ when asked by the journalist why shouldn’t be asked about the incident.
With Morikawa also getting chirpy and even Scottie Scheffler not quite at his bubbling best after round one, there could well be an argument that players are becoming a tad sick of certain press duties.
Still, the flipside is that without press and the fans getting such info, the TOUR wouldn’t be where it is.
Ultimately, it is part of the game and every so often, golfers – given they’re only human – are likely to have a snap back or two.
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