Collin Morikawa had a tense exchange with a journalist as he responded to reports he has split from his caddie less than a month before The Open.
The 2021 winner has parted ways with Joe Greiner, with the news breaking on Wednesday.
X / @golf_comMorikawa hit back at a reporter during his press conference on Wednesday[/caption] The two-time Major winner has split from his caddie GreinerGetty Images - GettyMorikawa had been preparing to take part in the pro-am at this week’s Rocket Classic when the story became public.
He will instead be supported by former college teammate and Korn Ferry Tour professional KK Limbhasut in Detroit.
However, the two-time Major winner does not yet know who will be on his bag at Royal Portrush, which begins in three weeks.
Asked about his caddie situation at his pre-tournament press conference, the American hit back at the reporter who had first reported his split with Greiner.
Morikawa responded: “I don’t and I read your article that you wrote.
“Look, I’m not here to tell people how to do their jobs, but I don’t get why you would make me sound bad because you put out my quote that I was playing with pro-am partners out front.
“Those guys are paying a lot of money. They’re very important to the community. They’re very important to the Rocket Classic.
“And for you to put out a quote like that to put me down and saying ‘hey, wait two-and-a-half hours’. You called me on the first tee.
“So I’m not going to tell you how to do your job. You can write whatever you want. This is America. But don’t put me down like that because it’s two-and-a-half hours.”
The reporter replied by stating: “I thought I was actually giving you credit that you were playing, you were focused on your pro-am partners.”
Morikawa admits he does not yet know who will be on his bag at The OpenGetty Images - GettyView Tweet: t.co/kJIuYSqLhs
Morikawa doubled down, though, continuing: “Okay, we can all read it very differently.
“That’s not how I read it. I don’t know how but I’m just telling you I think there’s a perspective where people can read it like that.
“So I’m just going to leave it at that. That we knew I was going to have media in two-and-a-half hours. I’m on the first tee meeting my pro-am partners as they’re teeing off.”
The 28-year-old finished by revealing his plans for choosing a new caddie, adding: “So on the caddy front, I don’t.
“It’s a process that I’m going through. Hopefully we’ll find out when the time comes and I will let everyone know.”
Morikawa has only a few weeks to make his decision before heading to Northern Ireland.
The 153rd edition of The Open is scheduled for July 17 to 20 at Royal Portrush.
Meanwhile, he will be aiming to end his wait for a seventh PGA Tour win, having last tasted glory in October 2023.
His only previous appearance at the Rocket Classic ended in a three-way play-off, where he was beaten by Rickie Fowler to the title.
Morikawa will tee off for the first round on Thursday at 12.29pm BST alongside Keegan Bradley and Patrick Cantlay.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Don’t put me down’ – Collin Morikawa calls out reporter as he makes surprise admission ahead of The Open )
Also on site :