Collin Morikawa Explains Why Tiger Woods Refuses to Use a Golf Cart in the U.S. Open

Collin Morikawa Explains Why Tiger Woods Refuses to Use a Golf Cart in the U.S. Open

**DUBLIN, Ohio** — Collin Morikawa, preparing for this week’s 49th Memorial Tournament, recently spent time with Tiger Woods, a man who has won Jack Nicklaus’ tournament a record five times. Their time together left Morikawa in awe.

Tiger Woods and the Art of Trash Talk

Morikawa attended a clinic with Woods last week in Las Vegas during the 21st edition of Woods’ charity event, Tiger Jam. As expected, Woods showcased his legendary skills and competitive spirit.

On the driving range at Shadow Creek, Woods and Morikawa put on a show for the gathered crowd. Morikawa recounted how Woods humorously challenged his shot-making abilities.

“He was making fun of me not being able to hit a draw, so I hit a draw; it was like a 5-yard draw,” Morikawa, 27, recalled. “Then he hit a hook, and I swear he was aiming like 3 feet from the line of people that were on the right side. The skill and the feel are still all there, right?”

An Unforgettable Experience with a Legend

Morikawa, who has six PGA Tour wins, including the 2020 Workday Charity Open at Muirfield Village Golf Club, expressed his amazement at Woods’ enduring talent and the privilege of sharing the stage with the Hall of Famer.

“I’m very lucky to have that opportunity to go and do something like that, to talk to him, to hang out,” Morikawa said. “You look back at your 15-year-old self, your 10-year-old self and you say, ‘Yeah, you’re going to spend a few hours with Tiger playing poker, hitting golf balls on the range, picking his brain, screwing around’ … you know, that’s a dream, right? So that’s pretty cool.”

Woods’ Ongoing Battle and Upcoming Challenge

Woods made the cut at the Masters for a record 25th consecutive year, but recently struggled at the PGA Championship, missing the cut at Valhalla Golf Club, where he won the 2000 PGA. Next week, Woods is set to compete in the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst, playing on a special exemption.

The Question of Using a Golf Cart

When asked if he thought Woods should use a golf cart at regular events, given his ball-striking proficiency, Morikawa had an insightful response.

“Yeah, but his ego’s pretty big, you know, as is all of ours,” Morikawa said. “I just think he wants to keep doing it until he can’t, and maybe there’s something about a golf cart that’s just, you know, ain’t it. I would be taking a golf cart if they allowed me. I would love to.”

Morikawa’s reflection sheds light on Woods’ fierce determination and the intrinsic drive that has defined his career. As fans eagerly await the U.S. Open, they will undoubtedly watch to see how Woods continues to defy expectations and inspire the next generation of golfers.