Back on Maui, the Hawaiian island home of his grandparents, Collin Morikawa began the 2024 PGA season by firing a bogey-free round of eight-under 65 to share the first-round lead Thursday at The Sentry tournament at Kapalua Resort.
The 26-year-old Cal grad, ranked No. 13 in the world, collected six pars and made an eagle-3 on the par-5 ninth hole.
Morikawa is tied for the lead in the $20 million event with 41-year-old Camilo Villegas of Columbia, who had nine pars and a bogey.
Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay and Sahith Theegala are one stroke back a 66 after each posting bogey-free rounds. Schauffele and Theegala carded seven birdies while Cantlay had five birdies and an eagle
Another prominent Cal alum, 33-year-old Max Homa shot a first-round 67 and is part of a logjam sharing sixth place in his first event following the most successful year of his career.
Homa, who is No. 7 in the world rankings, had six birdies — including one on No. 18 — against a single bogey.
South Korean Byeong Hun An, 32, who played one season at Cal, had seven birdies, including four in a row from Nos. 12 through 15, to post a 5-under 68. He is three strokes back, tied for 13th place.
The return to Maui gave Morikawa a first-hand look at the devastation from the fires that struck Lahaina last August. His Dad’s family owned a restaurant on Front Street that was among more than 2,200 structures destroyed by the four-day fire.
The toll includes more than 100 deaths and $5.5 billion dollars in losses.
Asked to recall his reaction to the fire last summer, Morikawa told NBC Sports, “I was shocked. It was very emotional. I really haven’t had anything hit that close to home, that close to family, my entire life. It’s devastating.”
Actually being at Lahaina prompted an even stronger response, he said.
“Stepping out here, you really see the impact on people and what it’s done to their lives,” Morikawa said. “It’s something you really can’t comprehend until you see it first-hand.
“I got to talk to a few people who lost their homes. It’s very emotional for them because everything they’ve built up their entire lives . . . Hawaii’s all about culture, all about family.”
Even before he’d begun play Thursday, Morikawa said what happened at Maui will be with him all week. He hopes the tournament continues to raise awareness among those beyond the Hawaiian borders.
“No matter how I play — and the end goal is to win — but weeks like these there’s always going to be more meaning. I’m going to have that in the back of my head.”
The Sentry (formerly the Tournament of Champions) includes just 59 golfers and is a no-cut event. The event is the first major event held in the area since the wildfire.
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