Collin Morikawa's Long-Awaited Victory at Pebble Beach
In a thrilling and dramatic final round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Collin Morikawa emerged victorious, claiming his first PGA Tour win since 2023. But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, heartwarming.
ESPN News Services reported on February 15, 2026, that Morikawa's win came with a unique twist. After a 45-start drought spanning over two years, he finally tasted victory again. And what a victory it was! With a 5-under 67, Morikawa secured his first PGA Tour title since the Zozo Championship in 2023.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as Morikawa revealed post-round that he and his partner are expecting their first child later this year. He shared with CBS, "We just started telling people this week. We thought, what better way to announce it to the world than by winning?"
But the road to victory was far from easy. In a wild final round marked by shifting winds and lead changes, Morikawa faced a formidable challenge from Scottie Scheffler, who mounted a bold charge with three eagles in his round of 63. However, Morikawa's resilience shone through as he responded with two straight birdies down the stretch.
And this is the part most people miss: the tension on the par-5 18th. With Jacob Bridgeman's eagle attempt in the group ahead, Morikawa endured a 20-minute wait before hitting his 4-iron. The Pacific wind howled, and the biting cold added to the pressure. Morikawa described his experience, "I paced all the way to the ocean 10 times. It was crucial to keep moving. These long breaks can be challenging, but I managed to pull off a great 4-iron. I definitely earned that drink!"
Morikawa's 4-iron shot, which started over a portion of the water, found its way to the right collar, setting up a putt that he converted for the win. Sepp Straka's eagle attempt fell short, and Min Woo Lee's birdie-birdie finish wasn't enough to deny Morikawa's triumph.
Akshay Bhatia, who held the 54-hole lead, struggled over his last 29 holes, eventually finishing three shots back. Scheffler's remarkable comeback from a 10-shot deficit after the first day and a 13-shot gap on Friday showcased his resilience and talent. He finished tied for fourth, extending his streak of top-10 finishes to 18 straight PGA Tour starts.
Morikawa's victory at Pebble Beach not only moves him back into the top 10 in the world rankings but also solidifies his place as a Cal alum with seven PGA Tour wins since turning pro in 2019. It's a win that will be remembered for its drama, tension, and the heartwarming announcement that accompanied it.
What do you think? Is Morikawa's victory a testament to his resilience, or was it simply a matter of timing and luck? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
