“I might bite my tongue after saying this, but to the Brandel Chamblee, to the Paul McGinley, to the Rocco Mediates of the world, I don’t regret anything I said.” This was Collin Morikawa’s response to criticism from golf analysts and the press after he turned down media’s questions following his second-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he felt he didn’t “owe anyone anything.” Well, many golf enthusiasts beg to differ.
Speaking on the latest episode of Golf Channel on YouTube hosts Todd Lewis and Ryan Lavner delved into the importance of golfers being accountable and accessible to the press, especially in the wake of the controversy. The conversation centered around Colin Morikawa’s recent situation, highlighting the need for golfers to engage with the media, even when it’s challenging. As one of the commentators noted, “I think that’s a really good example of how players, even in the heat of the moment, probably just need to understand that I need to give something… I follow up on a story.”
At the same time, Tiger Woods’s approach to media interactions even when it’s difficult was praised. “Look at Tiger Woods and what he did, and that is to realize that we, as the media, again, are an extension of the fans and that you owe something to them… That’s a really good pull,” one of the commentators observed. This mindset was evident in a notable instance at Torrey Pines, where Woods demonstrated his commitment to being accountable.
It happened when walking off the course, Tiger Woods agreed to give news bites despite his agent mentioning otherwise. “He understands that this is a big story, and he does have a responsibility,” the commentator noted. But Woods has also revealed the unstable side of media, stating, “I went through a stretch, I think it was eight years ago, where I never missed a post-round interview. And the first time I did, they crucified me,” in 2022.
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Collin Morikawa of the United States acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2025 at Pebble Beach Golf Links on February 01, 2025 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
So, often media talk is a double-edged sword, whether comments are given or not. And in Morikawa’s case, this isn’t the first time that he has been under fire for his post-round comments – or the lack of them.
Rocco Mediate calls out Collin Morikawa on ‘selfish’ behavior
Morikawa avoided press talk after his loss to Russell Henley at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, because he was “just heated,” and “didn’t want to talk to anyone.” This sparked a wave of criticism from fans, pundits, and even fellow golfers. Former PGA Tour player Rocco Mediate was particularly scathing in his assessment, saying Morikawa’s comments were “the dumbest, most selfish garbage you could ever say.” Mediate emphasized that Morikawa’s job is to share his experiences with the public, regardless of the outcome, and that his behavior was unbecoming of a professional golfer.
Mediate’s criticism didn’t stop there, as he invoked the legacy of Arnold Palmer, who was known for his kindness and humility in victory and defeat. “Mr. Palmer would’ve hunted him down. Trust me on that one because he told me one thing, Mr. Palmer told me one thing that stuck with me. [He said,] ‘You know what, Rock, it’s real easy to go in and talk to somebody when you won or when you’ve played well, but can you do it when you don’t? That’s the key.’ Obviously, he can’t, OK, so stop talking to me about, ‘I didn’t wanna talk to anybody.’”
Though, one could argue that exceptional humans are still humans, and sometimes, personal boundaries are blurred when you’re representing a pack that feeds on inspirational stories. So, what do you think about the whole situation? Do you agree with Mediate here or is Morikawa innocent in your eyes? Let us know in the comment section below!
The post ‘Look at Tiger Woods’: Offended Journalists Urge Collin Morikawa to Learn Lesson from Golf Legend After Recent Snub appeared first on EssentiallySports.