Genesis Invitational: Morikawa Struggles With New Putting Grip

Collin Morikawa debuted a different look on the greens during the first round of the Genesis Invitational at Riveria Country Club on Thursday. Morikawa has made the change to “The Claw” putting grip, which he showcased in a TaylorMade sponsored video leading up to the tournament.

His first official round with the new grip did not lead to success on the greens or on the scorecard. Morikawa posted an opening-round 73, which included four bogeys and one double bogey. Morikawa began his round on the back nine, teeing off on the famous 10th hole at Riviera, one of the most iconic holes in golf.  He made a double-bogey six to start his tournament, setting up an up and down 2-over round that saw him shoot 39 during his opening nine holes.

The 24-year old from Los Angeles is one of the PGA Tour’s rising star and has already proven he can compete on golf’s biggest stage. He earned his first PGA Tour win at the 2019 Barracuda Championship in just his sixth career start on tour. He continued his success during the 2020 season, capturing two more wins. He was victorious at the Workday Charity Open in July at Murfield Village and followed it up in August with a win at the PGA Championship at Harding Park. His first major win was highlighted by an amazing drive on the drivable 16th hole at Harding Park. His amazing tee shot set up a 7 foot eagle putt, which Morikawa drained en route to a final round 64. He won the Wanamaker Trophy by two shots over Paul Casey and Dustin Johnson.

Despite his early success on the PGA Tour, putting issues have plagued the young star early in his professional career. According to PGA Tour.com, Morikawa ranked 128th out of 193 qualified golfers in strokes gained: putting during the 2020 season. His putting issues were on full display during the Charles Schwab Challenge last year at Colonial Country Club in Texas, where he missed a 3-foot putt during a playoff with Daniel Berger, giving Berger the win.

Morikawa has had a rocky start on the greens to kickoff the 2021 season. Through seven events, the former University of California, Berkeley star ranks 190th in strokes gained: putting. He will look to get back on track on the greens and on the leaderboard during round two of the Genesis Invitational on Friday, an event where he finished tied for 26th last season.