**Morikawa** Lashes Out, Igniting Media Firestorm

Analyst **Brandel Chamblee** reveals details behind the golfer’s recent outburst after a story about his caddie situation went public.

Following a tense exchange with a journalist at the Rocket Classic, **Collin Morikawa** found himself in hot water. Analyst **Brandel Chamblee** has now shared the details of what led to the confrontation, shedding light on the clash between player and press.

The Caddie Controversy

**Morikawa**’s recent decision to part ways with two caddies in quick succession—first **JJ Jakovac**, then **Max Homa**’s former caddie **Joe Greiner**—stirred speculation. Journalist **Adam Schupak** sought confirmation from **Morikawa** himself at the Rocket Classic Pro-Am, setting off a chain of events that escalated quickly.

According to **Chamblee**, **Schupak** approached **Morikawa** on the first tee, asking him to confirm the caddie firing. **Morikawa** confirmed it, but declined to provide further details until after his round. **Schupak** then followed **Morikawa** for three holes, hoping he might reconsider and elaborate, but to no avail.

“Another dust-up was **Collin Morikawa** at the Rocket Classic getting chippy again about a story that was written. The source of the story was **Adam Schupak**, and I called **Adam** to get to the bottom of it, because I read the story, because it didn’t really make sense to me.”

—Brandel Chamblee, Golf Analyst

Subsequently, **Schupak** published the story, noting **Morikawa**’s confirmation but also his refusal to comment further at that time. Upon seeing the story during his round, **Morikawa** reportedly felt that it made him appear uncooperative with the media. This perception fueled his subsequent outburst in the media center.

The Clash

**Chamblee** recounted the confrontation: “So when he got in, he was livid and took issue with **Adam** in the media center and called him out.” **Schupak** defended his reporting, stating that he accurately conveyed the sequence of events: **Morikawa**’s confirmation of the firing and his decision to postpone further comment.

The Pew Research Center reported that in 2023, trust in the media was at a historic low, with only 32% of Americans saying they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in newspapers, television and radio news (Pew Research Center).

Journalists vs. Influencers

**Chamblee** weighed in on the broader issue of the relationship between golfers and the media. He emphasized the distinction between journalists and influencers, noting: “A journalist’s job is to be out there and to cover the sport, cover the game and the players and do it with as much accuracy and integrity and validity and veracity that they can muster.”

He added that journalists are not the same as influencers: “An influencer’s job is in promoting the players to also promote themselves in hopes of gaining followers. These are not the same thing.”

Looking Ahead

**Chamblee** suggested that **Morikawa**’s frustration stemmed from a desire for **Schupak** to withhold the story, adding: “I think **Collin** wanted **Adam** to just sit on the story for three hours. And it’s like, again, that’s not the way journalism works.”

The analyst suggests **Morikawa** may be causing himself unnecessary difficulties, especially given that **Schupak**’s story portrayed him positively, implying that he prioritized his amateur partners at the Pro-Am over media obligations. As **Morikawa** navigates his game, addressing his approach to the media could prove beneficial.