Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa during Team USA’s successful defence of the Presidents Cup (Image: Harry How/Getty Images)
Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler have each secured two major titles, yet the playing field between the two maestros isn’t as level as their achievements might suggest. Despite his own famous victories, Morikawa has not shied away from singing the praises of his fellow American competitor.
Morikawa, 27, who famously clinched victories at and PGA Championship in just over a year, recently heaped praise on the world number one during an interview on He said watching Scheffler’s stellar performances is both impressive and motivating.
“Scottie’s been playing amazing. It’s amazing to see and motivates me, because he hits the ball so frigging good,” said Morikawa.
On why he values Scheffler’s company on the course, he offered insights beyond basic technical skills or strategy. It’s Scheffler’s remarkable poise under pressure that truly stands out for Morikawa.
“Even when he makes a mistake, it doesn’t freak him out,” he explained. “He comes up [for] the next shot, and it’s just perfect.
“And his distance control is really good, his distance control is unbelievable. And his dispersion, I don’t get it. It looks like he’s missing the ball when he’s swinging, but it’s perfect every time. It’s like, ‘Why can’t I do that?’.”
Scottie Scheffler has banked almost £50million this year alone (Image: Getty Images)
The humility and respect Morikawa shows towards his rival is even more remarkable given their recent encounters. Scheffler has managed to edge out Morikawa in two of his last three victories, first at the Memorial Tournament in June and then again at the Tour Championship just last month.
It’s likely that Morikawa isn’t the only top professional golfer who wishes they could emulate Scheffler’s style of play. With two wins in the last three Masters tournaments, there’s a sense that it won’t be long before Scheffler adds more major trophies to his expanding collection.
The 28-year-old, who has made an incredible £47million in 2024, will get the chance to win another Green Jacket in April despite the Augusta course suffering severe damage due to Hurricane Helene. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said via Golf Digest: “The Masters will be held, [and] it will be on the dates it’s scheduled to be held [April 10-13].”