Morikawa clarifies his comments on “chaos” at the Ryder Cup, insisting he was not responsible for the hostile behavior of American fans.

Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion and one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour, has denied that his comments about hoping for “absolute chaos” at the Ryder Cup contributed to the hostile atmosphere experienced by European players. The event, held at Bethpage Black in New York, saw European players subjected to boos, swearing, and even incidents such as beer being thrown at Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica. Morikawa acknowledged that the behavior of the American fans “crossed the line,” but he emphasized that he did not intend for the event to become rude or abusive.

In a post-tournament interview, Morikawa clarified that his use of the word “chaos” was meant to convey energy and pride in the countries being represented, not an endorsement of disrespectful conduct. He added, “I think we’ve taken what I said a little out of context. I think Ryder Cups are meant to have a lot of energy, right, and I think me saying the word ‘chaos,’ I didn’t mean for them to be rude.”

Morikawa, who turned professional in 2016, has built a reputation as one of the most technically sound players on the tour. Standing 6’3″ and weighing around 220 pounds, his long driving distance and precision from the tee have made him a formidable presence on the course. He won his first major at the 2020 U.S. Open and followed it up with a victory at the 2021 Masters, securing his second major title. His calm demeanor and composure under pressure have earned him respect from both fans and fellow players.

He also noted that fans have the freedom to express themselves, though he believes a line must be drawn between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. “I think what I meant was like I wanted energy, right? You wanted people to be proud of the country, the countries they’re rooting for. I don’t think me saying one word, everyone listened – I don’t think I have the power to do that amongst people.”

PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague later issued an apology to McIlroy and the rest of the European team for the behavior of the home fans. Morikawa, who lost two and halved one of his three matches at the tournament, expressed that he believed the incident highlighted the need for a better understanding of what is appropriate in the context of such high-stakes sporting events.

Currently, Morikawa is preparing for the Baycurrent Classic in Yokohama, Japan, where he is set to defend his 2023 title. The tournament has been affected by warnings about the incoming Typhoon Halong, with Thursday’s tee times brought forward by two hours. Morikawa noted that the conditions will require a significant adjustment in strategy, saying, “You just have to adjust a lot tomorrow and be ready really to hit any club off the tee because it’s going to play very different than what we’ve seen the first couple days.”

The incident at the Ryder Cup has sparked broader discussions about fan behavior in sports, with many questioning whether the intensity of the event, which is known for its fierce rivalry, played a role in the escalation of tensions. Morikawa’s comments have also reignited debates about the influence of social media and the pressure on athletes to perform under intense public scrutiny.

Morikawa, who has also represented the United States in the Olympics, is known for his humility and sportsmanship, often emphasizing the importance of respect and fair play in the game. His response to the controversy at the Ryder Cup aligns with his broader philosophy of maintaining integrity both on and off the course.