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USA Today via Reuters
May 18, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Collin Morikawa walks on the 18th green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
May 18, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Collin Morikawa walks on the 18th green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
The golf world is no stranger to heated debates, and last week’s controversy surrounding AimPoint is just the latest example. Lucas Glover sparked the discussion by suggesting that the PGA Tour ban the green-reading technique, citing its impact on the pace of play and etiquette. Collin Morikawa fired back, subtly jabbing Glover by suggesting that if AimPoint is banned, then long putters should be banned too – a witty reference to Glover’s switch to a broomstick putter a few years ago.
However, amidst this debate, it seems Morikawa’s focus has a more pressing issue to deal with. Having witnessed the devastating impact of wildfires on his hometown of Los Angeles and his family’s hometown of Lahaina in Hawaii, Morikawa is taking action. At this week’s Genesis Invitational, he’ll donate $1,000 per birdie and $2,000 per eagle to the California Community Foundation and the LA Fire Department Foundation. “I just want to do my part and raise awareness,” Morikawa said. “Fires happen, and people tend to forget, but we need to keep reminding everyone of the impact they have.”
Morikawa, who’s proud to call himself an Angeleno, believes that his hometown has changed dramatically since he was young, but one thing remains constant – the community’s spirit. “What amazes me is how people come together to help each other in times of need,” he said. “That’s what I love about LA – it’s a diverse community that rallies together to rebuild and support each other.”
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Collin Morikawa (LA native) is donating $1,000 for every birdie + $2,000 per eagle he makes @thegenesisinv to California Community Foundation and LAFD Foundation
— Chad Eckert (@EdinaRealCHE) February 12, 2025
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Well, this wasn’t the first time Morikawa showed the kindness of his heart.
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Collin Morikawa’s donations in 2024
When it comes to kindness, Collin Morikawa is no stranger. For instance, in 2024, the two-time major champion made a generous pledge to donate $1,000 for every birdie he made on the PGA Tour in August to support those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. Morikawa’s family has a personal connection to Maui, where his grandparents owned a restaurant in Lahaina that was destroyed in the fires. When asked about his actions Morikawa said, “Homes had been destroyed, families displaced and it was far from over. The people of Hawaii were going to need all the support that we could give them.”
Morikawa’s determination to make a difference is truly inspiring, “I want to make a lot of birdies for them. One of our friends texted me, and they’re like, ‘Okay, $100,000.’ I’m like, ‘Shoot, 100 birdies in three tournaments?’ I don’t know if that’s ever been done. But it would be a great feat to say the least,” he said. Morikawa’s kindness is a reminder that even small actions can add up to make a big difference. His pledge showcased his true character as a champion both on and off the course. And apparently, these donations help the golfer stay motivated. “It’s extra motivation and just perspective I think while we’re out there”, he had said last year. So, do you think it will motivate the golfer to win Tiger Woods’s hosted game? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Is Collin Morikawa's generosity overshadowing the AimPoint debate, or are both equally important?
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Is Collin Morikawa's generosity overshadowing the AimPoint debate, or are both equally important?
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