Former LCHS standout Collin Morikawa won the Pac-12 title for the first time in his career at Cal.
La Cañada Flintridge native Collin Morikawa has garnered many accolades the past four years at Cal Berkley. The standout athlete has been named Golfweek Men’s National Player of the Year, the team’s most valuable player, made the All-Nicklaus Team twice and represented the U.S. in the prestigious Walker Cup.
He had many goals since arriving at Cal four years ago but the Pac-12 crown eluded him. Morikawa can now cross that feat off his list as the senior finished the competition with three consecutive birdies to claim the individual conference title.
“It’s just been an awesome season, from start to finish,” said Morikawa, who become the fourth Bear to win the championship and was recently named the Pac-12 men’s golfer of the year. “This was my last go-around, and it’s the time I’ve been waiting for. It’s been a lot of fun, and last week was really special to close it out with the title.
“My game was trending in the right direction. Everything leading up to the week felt very positive.”
Despite the achievement, Morikawa, who graduated from La Cañada High School in 2015, remains focused and is working hard to prepare for the NCAA Regionals, which begin on Monday, May 13. He and three other seniors are determined to go far in the tournament.
“One of our biggest goals was to make it back to nationals and really give ourselves a good chance,” Morikawa said. “What happened last year was tough, not making it to regionals. We’re back with a focus and a lot of the momentum is in our direction. It’s really good to se where the team is. This team is so important to me, and the four seniors are really giving it everything we have.”
