After 28 long months and 45 frustrating starts, Collin Morikawa stood on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach with the Pacific Ocean winds whipping around him and a career-defining moment hanging in the balance. The two-time major champion had endured what he called "the longest 20 minutes of my life" waiting for a ruling on the group ahead, knowing a single shot could end his victory drought or extend it further. When the moment finally arrived, Morikawa launched a 4-iron from 235 yards that started over the ocean wall and let the wind bring it back to the green, setting up a birdie that secured his dramatic victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on February 15, 2026.
How Morikawa's Drought Ended: Inside the Pebble Beach Thriller
Morikawa's journey back to the winner's circle featured all the tension and drama that had been missing from his game for more than two years. He finished at 22-under 266 after a final-round 67, holding off challenges from Sepp Straka and Min Woo Lee by a single stroke. But the victory almost slipped away multiple times during a wild Sunday that saw six different players hold at least a share of the lead.
"I tried to think about anything else other than golf," Morikawa said of his 20-minute wait on the 18th hole. "Thankfully, you had the nicest backdrop you could ask for so that was very, very easy. For me, it was how do I stay loose, how do I stay warm and not just think about the shot."
The critical sequence came on the 15th and 16th holes, where Morikawa holed a 30-foot birdie putt followed by a 6-iron to 8 feet for another birdie. But even that two-shot cushion wasn't secure, as a bogey on the par-3 17th – where his tee shot nearly found the ocean – created another tie with Lee, who finished birdie-birdie.
From October 2023 to February 2026: The 28-Month Timeline
Morikawa's previous victory came at the Zozo Championship in Japan in October 2023, a win that seemed to signal the beginning of a dominant stretch for the young star. Instead, it marked the start of what would become the most challenging period of his professional career.
- October 2023: Wins Zozo Championship for his sixth PGA Tour title
- 2024 Season: Records 10 top-10 finishes but no victories
- 2025 Season: Struggles with consistency, particularly with putting
- February 2026: Enters AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am ranked outside top 15 in world
- Final Round: Shoots 5-under 67 with birdies on 15, 16, and 18 to secure victory
Throughout the drought, Morikawa remained one of the game's most consistent ball-strikers but struggled on the greens. He made multiple putter changes and adjustments to his stroke, searching for the confidence that had propelled him to early success. The breakthrough finally came at Pebble Beach, where he ranked among the tournament leaders in putting statistics.
Why This Victory Changes Everything for Morikawa's Career
The significance of Morikawa's Pebble Beach triumph extends far beyond the $3.6 million winner's check or the 72nd-hole birdie. For the 29-year-old, the victory represents both a professional renaissance and a personal milestone that has reshaped his perspective on golf and life.
"There's so much to life, there's so much to enjoy," Morikawa said in his post-victory interview, before revealing the news that he and his wife, Katherine, are expecting their first child later this year. The emotional announcement came during what was already an emotional embrace with his wife on the 18th green, creating a moment that transcended sports.
Golf analysts point to several factors that made this victory particularly meaningful:
- Mental Breakthrough: Morikawa has spoken recently about playing golf for joy rather than technical perfection
- Signature Event Win: The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was the PGA Tour's first signature event of 2026
- Overcoming Adversity: He survived a charge from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who shot 63 with three eagles
- Career Validation: The win confirms his status as one of golf's elite players despite the drought
"I was very aware of Scottie Scheffler's score today. I mean, what a player," Morikawa acknowledged about the world No. 1's charge. Scheffler began the final day eight shots behind but recorded three eagles in a single round for the first time in his career, briefly tying Morikawa for the lead before finishing two strokes back.
Where Morikawa Stands Now: Rankings, Momentum, and Fatherhood
With his seventh PGA Tour victory secured, Morikawa immediately jumps back into the conversation for major championships and the game's highest honors. The win is expected to move him back into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking and solidify his position for the 2026 Ryder Cup team.
Beyond the professional implications, Morikawa's life is about to change in more profound ways. The expected arrival of his first child this spring has already shifted his perspective, something that was evident in his post-victory comments about finding joy beyond golf.
"Great field, great leaderboard — looking at it the entire day," Morikawa said of his final-round battle. "And just to be able to pull off those last two shots, it feels great."
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Golf's Newest Champion-Father
Morikawa's victory at Pebble Beach sets up what could be a transformative 2026 season. With the mental burden of his winless streak lifted and the excitement of impending fatherhood providing new motivation, golf analysts expect him to contend regularly in the season's biggest events.
The immediate schedule includes several signature events where Morikawa will look to build momentum toward the year's first major championships. His ball-striking prowess has always translated well to major championship setups, and with his putting confidence restored, he could be a threat at Augusta National and beyond.
Perhaps most importantly, Morikawa appears to have rediscovered the joy that first drew him to golf. "Man, I need a drink," he joked after his victory, but the smile on his face suggested he might just toast with something stronger than water. After 28 months of waiting, Collin Morikawa is finally back in the winner's circle – and this time, he's bringing more than just a trophy home.
