The 2023 BMW Championship teed off at Olympia Fields, Illinois, on August 17th. During the opening round, a two-time major winner shot an impressive 3-under, placing him in a shared ninth position.

In a post-round press conference, the 26-year-old spoke about the changes in his performance of late. He delved into the process he has adapted recently, after working on it for the past few years. More importantly, he discussed his donations to the charities supporting the victims of the wildfire in Maui.

“I’m just trying to raise awareness”: 2x Major Winner explains his intent and mission

Collin Morikawa, in the conference, explained that his donations from last week went to Maui United Way, and this week’s donations would go to World Central Kitchen. He had earlier announced a donation of 1000 dollars per birdie he scores. Now, he stated that as per his estimate; he is likely to score at least 17 birdies this week. 

He emphasized how his efforts aim at raising awareness. “I think at the end of the day it’s just to gather up as many people as we can and just help out.” 

Speaking of support from sponsors, he said, “I’ve had sponsors, U.S. Bank is one of my sponsors, matching what I’m doing. PGA TOUR sponsors, FedEx matching what I’m doing this week.” Morikawa also mentioned how Barstool Sports are planning to sell tee shirts to raise funds. He said he was planning to buy a whole bunch of them.

While explaining the details of the aid, he said that the focus is to offer necessities that are lacking. “…whether it’s food or clothes or whatever, the small things that we all take for granted day in and day out, that they probably need at this time.”

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Moving on to his peers, Morikawa spoke of how fellow players have also been proactive in their efforts to extend aid.

Who reached out to Morikawa and who didn’t?

Morikawa spoke about how players like Max Homa and Xander Schaufele reached out to him, expressing empathy and understanding during challenging times. He stated how the extended camaraderie warmed his heart. He claimed that his peers’ efforts to reach out helped him tolerate the pain of witnessing the dire situation. Morikawa also mentioned how there are players out there who may not be speaking about this but are doing their part to help.

The 26-year-old sounded quite disheartened at the state of Lahaina and pointed out how the small town had so many nice restaurants to visit. He exclaimed how the thought of Lahaina’s current state hurt him and rendered him speechless. 

Have you ever been to Hawaii? How did you react when you heard of the disaster? Tell us in the comments!

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