Latest news with #Morikawa
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Collin Morikawa Talks Authenticity, Finding the Flow and 'Happy Gilmore 2'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. When you think of golf, it's easy to imagine a stuffy sport complete with collared shirts and all sorts of etiquette. At the Masters, for example, the spectators aren't fans; they're patrons, and they cannot run or use cellphones. Happy Gilmore, a 1996 Adam Sandler movie about a hockey player turned golfer, shattered those norms. Rather than polite applause and hushed tones, we saw long drives, loud celebrations and a famous brawl with Bob Barker. It's a piece of pop culture that launched a thousand metaphorical ships. Who among us hasn't tried Gilmore's running drive at least once? And, nearly 30 years later, Sandler is back on the course with the likes of Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny and plenty of pro golfers along for the ride. One of those is Collin Morikawa, a two-time major winner (the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship), who not only appears in the film but an accompanying U.S. Bank commercial. Collin Morikawa of the United States plays an approach shot on the first hole during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025, in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Collin Morikawa of the United States plays an approach shot on the first hole during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025, in Portrush, Northern someone who has spent countless hours on the links, the franchise held a certain allure for Morikawa. "If you're a professional golfer and you don't remember every part of Happy Gilmore, I think something's wrong," he told Newsweek. "It's truly an iconic movie. It's something that, even when we're goofing around, you're able to pull out quotes. You're able to pull out scenes from the movie that we're able to incorporate just in our fun time, just when we're screwing around. It's absolutely been a part of my life, and what a special moment to be in Happy Gilmore 2." That resonance with the golf community also helped logistically—"It's fun when you have the team behind the golfer also rooting for you," producer and Happy Madison Productions co-founder Jack Giarraputo told Newsweek—but what about the personal side of things? Morikawa, for example, is fiercely competitive. When you fuse that with golf's more conservative nature, cracking jokes and riding a club like a bull (a signature Gilmore celebration) don't always seem natural. What do golf, Netflix and U.S. Bank have in common? Happy Gilmore 2! Premiering on Netflix July 25. #happygilmore2 — U.S. Bank (@usbank) July 16, 2025 But, at the same time, pro golfers are human beings, too. And when you get a good group together without the pressures of your day job, that's can certainly get the ball rolling. "It came into a time for us that we were able to be a little more free," Morikawa added. "It wasn't in the middle of our season; it was kind of where a lot of us felt a little more relaxed. We were able to come out here, hang out with these guys, have a lot of fun, have some drinks maybe. And just enjoy life. I think that's part of it. We stress ourselves out so much about what we're trying to do professionally that when we're able to kind of step outside our comfort zone, and then be in something so special like this, we've made memories and friends for life." But, at the same time, there are some parallels to golf. Morikawa was able to get into the right mental space and move forward from there. "I think it's finding the right zone," he said. "I think so much of my life is very structured in a way. That's just who I am. But all these guys are so good at what they do because when they're in this zone, what they are so passionate about, everything's just free flowing. Whether it's comedy or whether it's golf, you're able to kind of bridge that gap." If you believe those around him, Morikawa was able to bridge that gap without an issue. "The good thing about a sports guy like Collin [is that] he's an entertainer really, but in a different realm" Frank Coraci, director of the "Happy As Usual" campaign and some of Sandler's previous films, like The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer, told Newsweek. "Sports guys tend to be a little bit stiffer some of the time; not all of them, but a lot of them. He showed up, he had already been on the set of Happy Gilmore, so he kind of got how it worked, he watched how the rhythm of comedy works. So, I think I got lucky to get him when he was already understanding how it worked. But I was pleasantly surprised at how funny and how relaxed he after take, we kept trying different things and he just blew me away." "Collin was in, and I consider him the ringleader for, one of the craziest scenes in Happy Gilmore 2," Giarraputo added. From left: Pro golfer Collin Morikawa, Michael Lacorazza (U.S. Bank CMO), Jack Giarraputo (producer, Happy Gilmore 2) and Frank Coraci (director) at New Jersey's Montclair Golf Club on July 22, 2025. From left: Pro golfer Collin Morikawa, Michael Lacorazza (U.S. Bank CMO), Jack Giarraputo (producer, Happy Gilmore 2) and Frank Coraci (director) at New Jersey's Montclair Golf Club on July 22, 2025. Courtesy of U.S. Bank And while getting involved in outlandish antics may not be standard golfer behavior—that's the entire conceit that underpins Happy Gilmore—Morikawa was able to find his sweet spot and simply be in the moment. Whether you're talking about sports, comedy or life, that's where the best results often lie. "When you try and compartmentalize too much, that's when you seem a little too structured, and you don't get the true, authentic side of yourself," Morikawa said. "You want to be able to be with these guys. I think being in the film, being in Happy Gilmore 2, you kind of see it as not authentic. So, you have to just truly go into these scenarios where maybe you're not comfortable and just because you're not comfortable doesn't mean you can't be yourself. You have to go into it and say, 'This is something new, but let's enjoy it. Be present, make a memory out of it,' and I've made a lot of memories from this."
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Collin Morikawa Hints at How Billy Foster Excels Where Others Failed
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. PGA Tour star Collin Morikawa has had a turbulent few months in the caddie department. After ending his long-standing relationship with JJ Jakovac, he hasn't been able to find the right person to take over his bag. However, his search may have come to an end on the PGA Tour's current European stint. As is known, Morikawa is working with the legendary Billy Foster at the Scottish Open and plans to stay with him until the Open Championship next week. Collin Morikawa of the United States talks to caddie Billy Foster prior to the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 08, 2025 in North Berwick, Scotland. Collin Morikawa of the United States talks to caddie Billy Foster prior to the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 08, 2025 in North Berwick, has been said about the possibility of extending the relationship, but Morikawa has been more than pleased with Foster. "It was just a lot of fun," he said after his first-round performance. "He's obviously got a lot of stories, and I enjoy those. Just asking questions about Seve [Ballesteros], [Lee] Westwood and [Darren] Clarke and even Fitz [Matt Fitzpatrick]. Without mentioning those who came before Foster, Morikawa did mention how the experienced bagman has stood out in his eyes. "He's not tried to change my game but he's already learned my game and how I need to play out here," he said. "I've leaned a lot on him so far through one round, and I'm going to keep doing that the next two weeks." After more than 40 years in the business, Billy Foster has more than enough experience to make the most of working with a player like Morikawa. After all, his resume includes having carried the bags of Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods, among other great players. Collin Morikawa's First Round at a Glance Collin Morikawa was in control for most of the first round of the Genesis Scottish Open. Up until the 15th hole, he was playing for a score of 4-under after carding an eagle, three birdies, and a bogey. However, he later made a few errors that resulted in consecutive bogeys on the 7th and 8th (the 16th and 17th of the round for him). Finally, he parred the 9th (18th) by missing a 12-foot putt for birdie. "I made some great, great saves for par on 18 making the turn, and I was able to make eagle," he said while assessing his performance. "It's times like that where you're able to keep rounds to go, and I was able to sign for a couple under and off you go." His score of 2-under placed him tied for 33rd after 18 holes. Morikawa will tee off Friday at 8:54 a.m. Eastern Time for the second round, sharing groups with Ludvig Aberg and Martin Couvra. More Golf: PGA Tour star's caddie refused UK access due to cocaine conviction
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Collin Morikawa lifts lid on link up with legendary caddie as golf star tells the world the two key words
American star and iconic English bagman have combined for huge fortnight in Scotland and Northern Ireland Classy Collin Morikawa reckons fun and simplicity are the key words in his link-up with caddie legend Billy Foster. The American star gave the background into his move to have the Yorkshireman on his bag for the vital two-week UK stretch which incorporates the Genesis Scottish Open and next week's Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Foster has worked with icons of the game such as Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods and Morikawa revealed there are two basic rules laid down between the pair for the fortnight. The 2021 Open Champion explained: 'It's going to be a two-week thing as of now, just to fill in. I was trying to think about who would be available and then a couple of people brought his name up and what a legend he is. I mean, the stories he's had, the people he's caddied for. Yesterday out playing, he told me some good Seve stories and I'm very lucky to have someone like that to be able to hop on the bag for a couple of weeks and just enjoy it. "You know, we've got a we've got a very simple game plan these next two weeks. One, go and have fun. And two, just be simple, execute the shots. At the end of the day, that's what golf is. So, hopefully, we can enjoy these two weeks as much as we can. It's good to see him out here, I know he's enjoying it, kind of shooting the talk with everyone." He then smiled: "I feel like I've got more pressure on me with him on the bag! It's really good. ' Morikawa has been frank in recent weeks over his form and the decision making over changing caddies having parted ways with both JJ Jakovac and Joe Greiner and his honesty has been refreshing to passionate golf fans. He said: 'I think a lot of us, we live in such a public profile that sometimes you have to think about what you're going to say. But, at the end of the day, you have to be honest and you have to be yourself. And if that comes off harsh, so be it. But look, I am who I am. You just want to be yourself and, for the most part, you got to stay true to that. It's hard to do when we live such a public life, but I hope people just are honest with everyone because that's all you can do is just be honest with yourself, be honest with the people around you and take it for what it is.' Morikawa was all smiles as he made his way onto the Renaissance range with the sun shining and an excitement apparent over the upcoming challenges. He said: 'I mean, when it's sunny like this, I love it even more, but it's just a different style of golf and I think we always look forward to that. You have to hit shots. You got to be creative and, no matter how your game's feeling, you just have to go and play golf. That's what's great about coming over here for these couple of weeks.' Morikawa referenced the importance of playing in Scotland the week before The Open after he won the Claret Jug at Royal St George's four years ago. It remains key to his build-up as he explained: 'I haven't had the results I've wanted since, but that's part of it. That's part of golf and, out here, you never know what you're going to get. And a course like this, when it's going to be dry and a little firmer I'm guessing, it's going to play great and it'll be a good lead up in the next week.'
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Collin Morikawa Lands Major-Winning Caddie for Open Championship
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. Just weeks after clashing with a reporter over speculation about his caddie situation, Collin Morikawa has finally landed on a major-winning name for his bag. The 2-time major champion, who publicly called out Golfweek's Adam Schupak during a tense press conference at the Rocket Classic, had said then, "It's a process for me to find [a caddie] because I only know one way." That process now appears to have joined him with one of the most respected loopers in the game, Billy Foster. DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: Collin Morikawa of the United States during a Pro-Am prior to the Rocket Classic 2025 at Detroit Golf Club on June 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty... DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: Collin Morikawa of the United States during a Pro-Am prior to the Rocket Classic 2025 at Detroit Golf Club on June 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by) More Getty Images Foster has a strong record, having caddied for Matt Fitzpatrick during his 2022 U.S. Open win. The news was first confirmed by and later backed by footage shared by the DP World Tour, showing Morikawa and Foster working together on the range ahead of this week's Genesis Scottish Open. Collin Morikawa and Billy Foster teaming up in Scotland 🤝#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 7, 2025 The duo will also team up for next week's Open Championship at Royal Portrush, where Morikawa will chase his second Claret Jug. Morikawa's move to work alongside a major-winning caddie comes after a turbulent stretch of experiments with several bagmen. The process started when Morikawa parted ways with longtime caddie J.J. Jakovac in April after a six-year partnership that included all six of his PGA Tour wins. The Southern California native then partnered with Joe Greiner, Max Homa's former caddie but that pairing lasted just five events. "Joe is an amazing caddie," Morikawa said at the Rocket Classic, "but the way we kind of saw things... we were just a little bit on a different page." Next, the 28-year-old turned to former college teammate KK Limbhasut for a one-off loop in Detroit, where he finished T-8. Collin Morikawa's recent performances Over the last few months, Morikawa's constant instability with his caddies raised questions about whether it was affecting his form on the course. While he's made 13 of 14 cuts this season, he's still searching for his first win since the 2023 Zozo Championship. Morikawa's best finishes in 2025 came during The Sentry and Arnold Palmer Invitational with a pair of solo seconds. He logged a solid T14 at Augusta National, T50 at the PGA Championship and T23 at the U.S Open. Now, with Foster, who has caddy records with Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke, Matt Fitzpatrick, Lee Westwood,....Morikawa gains not just experience, but a proven major-winning presence just before the Open Championship. More Golf: Did Kevin Roy get away with breaking the rules at John Deere Classic?
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Collin Morikawa hires veteran caddie for Genesis Scottish Open, Open Championship
Collin Morikawa will have a veteran caddie on his bag across the pond. Billy Foster will loop for Morikawa, the fifth-ranked golfer in the world, at the Genesis Scottish Open this week and the Open Championship next week at Royal Portrush. first broke the news, with the DP World Tour also sharing video of Morikawa and Foster on the range in Scotland. Morikawa parted ways with J.J. Jakovac, his only caddie in his pro career, in April before having Joe Greiner work for him a couple months. That duo split before the Rocket Classic in Detroit two weeks ago, with Morikawa saying, "just because two people are great at what they do doesn't mean we're going to be great together. 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." At Detroit Golf Club, Morikawa had former college teammate KK Limbhasut loop for him, with the former Cal Golden Bear placing T-8. Now looping duties go to Foster, the longtime caddie who was on Matt Fitzpatrick's bag when the Englishman won the 2022 U.S. Open. Foster, who has also caddied for Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood, split with Fitzpatrick in March after working together for 6 years. Foster told he doesn't envision this turning into a full-time gig, with the constant trips back and forth between Europe and North America "catching up with me" at 59 years old. But at least for two weeks, Foster will be on the bag for one of the best players in the world, with Morikawa searching for his first victory since the 2023 Zozo Championship in Japan.
