Date of Birth: February 6, 1997
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Nationality: American
Sport: Golf
Height: 5’9”
When both of your parents have enjoyed a sport, it only makes sense to continue the tradition. We connected with golfer Collin Morikawa on a life-long tie to the green, from competing at a young age to the practices that keep him sharp today.
adidas: How old were you when you started your sport, and what or who inspired you to begin?
Morikawa: Both my parents got me into the sport... I took my first lesson when I was five.
adidas: What’s an early memory of your sport that made you want to pursue it professionally?
Morikawa: Competing at a very early age, 8 years old, against other kids around the country. I loved not only winning but trying to compete and be the best golfer I could be. Knowing golf was such an individual sport, I had to take all the pressure and put it on myself and execute.
adidas: What was a struggle you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
Morikawa: A challenge in golf is getting used to the travel. Traveling 20 to 30 weeks a year, across the country and the world. Balancing travel for golf, life, and learning how the body handles stress is a challenge. Learning how to adjust, eat properly, workout properly is a big hurdle; that is a challenge everyday as a professional golfer.
adidas: Who has been your biggest cheerleader throughout your time with the sport? How have they supported you?
Morikawa: My parents and wife. My parents have been there every step of the way. My dad would take me to all my tournaments and be there. My wife now travels with me, good or bad day she is always there for me.
adidas: What does mental strength mean to you in your sport? How do you stay disciplined, focused, and overall content through the ups and downs of sports?
Morikawa: Mental game is a big aspect of golf. Many players, men and women, are very talented physically but the mental game is what separates some of the best players in the world. Stay sharp, reassess, allow yourself to understand what you’ve done and be true to yourself, not lie to yourself on where you are. Look at it in a small view and a 3000-foot perspective.
adidas: How do you amp yourself up before you compete?
Morikawa: I don’t really do this. It’s a normal thing for me to be ready for that 1st hole on a Thursday. I show up and know what my job is, what I’m trying to complete and accomplish for the week. This motivates me enough before I go to tee it up.
adidas: Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Morikawa: More of a routine than a ritual, but I always start with five tees in my right pocket and use the same ball marker since I was 12 years old. Two big things I always do before a round, every tournament.
Want to learn more about our adidas golf athletes? Check out our other articles on adidas stars like Rose Zhang, Ludvig Åberg, and Linn Grant. In addition, read up on our adidas golf content to improve your game, like this deep dive on different types of golf shoes. Whether you’re on the range or spending a full day at the course, we got you covered.