Rocket Classic: Collin Morikawa Rips Reporter amid Stunning Caddie News
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Collin Morikawa's relationship with the media has always been a little complicated. Earlier this year, the 2-time major winner had stirred conversation by skipping media duties at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
He tried justifying his decision, saying, "I don't owe anyone anything. No offense to you guys, but for me in the moment, I didn't want to be around anyone. Like, I didn't want to talk to anyone. I didn't need any sorries. You're just pissed."
But it backfired heavily, forcing him to acknowledge the importance of media in growing the game later. Fast-forwarding to the Rocket Classic week, Morikawa found himself in another tense exchange.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 15: Collin Morikawa of the United States reacts following a Bogey on the fifth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May...
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 15: Collin Morikawa of the United States reacts following a Bogey on the fifth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 15, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) More
Getty Images
The 2-time major champion publicly called out Golfweek's reporter Adam Schupak during his pre-tournament conference at the Rocket Classic.
The tension stemmed from a quote Schupak included in a recent article about Morikawa's caddie change, one that the golfer felt misrepresented his intentions and painted him in a negative light.
"I read your article that you wrote," Morikawa said. "Look, I'm not here to tell people how to do their jobs, but I don't get why you would make me sound bad because you put out my quote that I was playing with pro-am partners out front."
The quote in question, "Ask me anything you want in my press conference later, I'm with my pro-am partners now", was included in Schupak's original story, which has since been updated.
Morikawa felt it lacked context and made him appear dismissive of media obligations.
"Those guys are paying a lot of money, they're very important to the community, they're very important to the Rocket Classic," he added.
"And for you to put out a quote like that to put me down and saying, 'Hey, wait two and a half hours,' I mean, you called me up on the first tee, you know."
Schupak responded, "I thought I was actually giving you credit that you were playing, you were focused on your pro-am partners."
Morikawa replied, "Okay, we can all read it very differently. That's not how I read it... I think there's a perspective where people can read it like that. So, I'm just going to leave it at that."
The article was later updated to reflect Morikawa's full comments, but the moment underscored a broader issue in sports media, screaming how easily context can shift perception.
Morikawa isn't the first to push back
Rory McIlroy has previously expressed his frustration saying, "It's more a frustration with you guys," when asked about his recent step back from media duties.
Jim Nantz publicly debunked false retirement rumors earlier this year, calling them "false news".
Chatted with Jim Nantz ahead of his 40th Masters. We talked pressure of the job and his Augusta memories.
Nantz also said he was "blindsided" by talk of his possible retirement in 2036 becoming news. pic.twitter.com/oRDx0MJkTA — Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic) April 7, 2025
As for Morikawa's on-course situation, he's navigating a season of change. After parting ways with longtime caddie J.J. Jakovac in April, he teamed up with Joe Greiner (Max Homa's ex-caddie) but split again after five events.
"Just because two people are great at what they do doesn't mean we're going to be great together," he explained.
"I think Joe is an amazing caddie, but I think just the way we kind of saw things or just day to day how we kind of went about it, we were just a little bit on a different page. That doesn't mean it's right or wrong, but for me it just didn't feel right."
For this week's Rocket Classic, he's enlisted former Cal teammate KK Limbhasut as a temporary fill-in. But his caddie for The Open remains undecided.
"It's a process for me to find because I only know one way," Morikawa said. And clearly, that process extends beyond the ropes.
As Morikawa's search for his next caddie continues, his act of calling out a reporter screams that he's not afraid to speak up when he feels it's been mishandled.
More Golf: Keegan Bradley's wife, Jillian, to play Ryder Cup 'hero' at Bethpage Black
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