Collin Morikawa's quest for a green jacket faces a significant hurdle as The Masters approaches. The two-time major champion, who started the 2026 PGA Tour season with a win and strong form, has been sidelined since a back injury forced his withdrawal on the first hole of The Players Championship in March. This lack of competitive reps is far from ideal preparation for the year's first major.

New information from the practice grounds at Augusta National has raised further questions. PGA Tour writer Paul Hodowanic reported that during range sessions, Morikawa appeared "clearly limited," hitting a modest number of balls with his longest drives falling well short of his typical power. A driver ball speed of 171 mph and carries around 280 yards suggest he is not yet swinging freely.

Morikawa himself confirmed the concerns on Monday, telling reporters, "The honest truth is I’m taking it day by day. It’s not exactly where I want to be." For a player whose game is built on pristine ball-striking and control, any physical limitation is a major challenge, especially on a demanding course like Augusta.

However, there is a silver lining: he is on-site and practicing. The fact he is hitting balls just days before the tournament is a positive sign. The golf world will be watching closely to see if his back loosens up as the week progresses, allowing the 29-year-old star to mount a serious challenge for the title that has so far eluded him.