Morikawa Optimistic for Masters Despite Back Injury

Collin Morikawa, the world's seventh-ranked golfer, arrived at Augusta National on Monday expressing cautious optimism about competing in the 89th Masters Tournament despite ongoing recovery from a back injury that sidelined him for the past month. The two-time major champion plans to tee off Thursday for his sixth appearance at the event, though he acknowledged limitations that have forced a revised approach to the course.

Morikawa withdrew after just one hole at The Players Championship in mid-March due to back spasms sustained during a practice swing, marking his first career injury of that nature. He skipped the Valero Texas Open last week to focus on treatment and range work, which he has pursued daily since. "The honest truth is I'm taking it day by day," Morikawa told reporters. "It's not exactly where I want to be, and it's unfortunate, but that's just the body, and I can't push it. It's been a little bit of a mental battle, I think, just trying to trust with where it's at."

While his back now feels stable, Morikawa said other areas of his body are not fully cooperating, creating hesitation in committing to certain swings. He described the challenge as rebuilding trust...