A clutch 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole sealed Collin Morikawa‘s Saturday charge at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, giving him a one-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round. The California native fired an impressive 5-under 67 to reach -10 under overall, putting him just ahead of Russell Henley (-9) and Corey Conners (-8) on a packed leaderboard. The final pairing of Morikawa and Henley will tee off at 1:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, with gusty winds expected to challenge the contenders.

In the meantime, fans marvel at Morikawa’s surgical iron play, which he described as “the best since 2021.” Many were fascinated by the cultural heritage that has influenced his approach to the game. So, let’s dig deeper!

The rich tapestry of Collin Morikawa’s background

The 28-year-old American carries a unique Japanese-Chinese lineage that profoundly influences his identity on and off the course. His father, Blaine Morikawa, has Japanese roots, tracing back to Hawaii, while his mother, Debbie, is of Chinese descent and was born in California. Together, they run a commercial laundry business near downtown Los Angeles.

“This is where my heritage and my life have started,” Morikawa told Sky Sports during the Zozo Championship in Japan. “The fans there could still see that they are similar to me, and there’s a sense of pride in that.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Morikawa holds American nationality but maintains strong connections to his Asian heritage. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in business administration and established himself as a top-ranked collegiate golfer and four-time All-American before turning professional in 2019.

Morikawa’s multicultural background extends to his personal life as well. His wife, Katherine (née Zhu), also shares a Chinese heritage. Born in Vancouver and raised across different cultures, Katherine played collegiate golf at Pepperdine University, where she met Collin. The couple married in 2022 in an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, creating a partnership that further connects him to his cultural roots.

This multicultural background doesn’t just inform who Morikawa is off the course; it visibly shapes his approach to the game itself.

How heritage shapes Morikawa’s distinctive style

Morikawa’s Japanese and Chinese heritage influences his approach to golf. The cultural values of discipline, humility, respect, and meticulous attention to detail translate directly into his playing style—from his precision iron play to his composed demeanor under pressure.

His parents’ impact began early. They enrolled five-year-old Collin in a junior golf camp at Scholl Canyon and convinced administrators to make an exception for his age. There, he met instructor Rick Sessinghaus, who remains his coach today—a testament to the loyalty his parents instilled.

Growing up in a household emphasizing values over material possessions helped shape Morikawa’s character. Despite his rapid rise to stardom, his humble demeanor reflects this grounded upbringing. The Morikawa family prioritized satisfaction with what they had rather than constantly seeking more.

As Morikawa aims to end his 17-month winless drought today, he’ll rely on the same cultural strengths—discipline, focus, and precision—that have propelled him to two major championships and the doorstep of another significant victory.