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02 Apr, 2025
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Collin Morikawa's Controversial Comments Resurface, Prompts Call for Rule Change
@Source: newsweek.com
Neither Rory McIlroy's spectacular win at The PLAYERS, nor the outstanding performances of Viktor Hovlad and Min Woo Lee to win at Palm Harbor and Houston, respectively, got the golf world talking about Collin Morikawa's controversial comments following his loss at Bay Hill.After coming up short in his bid for the Arnold Palmer Invitational title, Morikawa chose not to answer questions from the press. When asked about it two days later, he had a rather non-conciliatory response."Yeah, just heated," Morikawa said from TPC Sawgrass. "Just pissed. Like I don't owe anyone anything. No offense to you guys [referring to the reporters], but for me in the moment of that time, I didn't want to be around anyone."Both Morikawa's attitude and his subsequent comments have been much debated in the golf world. For former European star Paul McGinley, the matter needs a drastic solution."Personally I would be very strong on it if I was [PGA Tour commissioner] Jay Monahan or [DP World Tour CEO] Guy Kinnings," he told Bunkered. "At the moment it's optional [to offer post round interviews], maybe it needs to become an obligation or a rule because it's not going to help the game if players start (avoiding media) more regularly."McGinley assured that this opinion is based on his own experience."I've sat on both sides and I think it's something that the game can't afford," he said. "We are already stretched in a lot of ways in terms of promoting the game. One of the things that appeals to people and why sponsors get involved in golf is our code of behaviour and our ethics. Part of that is an obligation of the players to give insights."McGinley's proposal appears to follow the lead of other sports where coaches, players or teams are required to give pre- and post-game interviews. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines.Morikawa's case is far from unique. The memory of Rory McIlroy skipping the press conference after his heartbreaking loss at the 2024 US Open is still fresh.It is fair to say, however, that the Northern Irishman showed a better face afterwards by apologizing for his behavior in a post on social platforms.Collin Morikawa was leading the Arnold Palmer Invitational with only nine holes to play, but melted down on the back nine of the fourth round and eventually lost to Russell Henley.More Golf: Tiger Woods' Union with Don Jr.'s Ex Gets Presidential Seal of Approval
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