Collin Morikawa Celebrates Dual Triumphs: PGA Victory and Baby Announcement
Professional golfer Collin Morikawa experienced what he described as one of the happiest weeks of his life, achieving a significant career milestone while sharing profoundly personal news. The 29-year-old athlete secured victory at the prestigious AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament, marking his first PGA Tour win in more than two years. Immediately following his emotional triumph on Sunday, February 15, Morikawa revealed an even more momentous development during an interview with CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis.
A Joyful Revelation After a Long-Awaited Win
With a radiant smile, Morikawa disclosed that he and his wife, Katherine Zhu, are expecting their first baby later this year. "Putting golf aside, we are actually expecting later this year, in a few months," Morikawa shared. "We just started telling people this week. We said, what better way, the best way, to just announce it to the world if I was able to come out and win."
The golfer expressed overwhelming gratitude and emotion, reflecting on the broader significance of life beyond the golf course. "There's so much to life. There's so much to enjoy. I'm hard on myself... I'm just so thankful for the people around me. My team, Kat, my wife, my parents, my brother. I'm speechless right now," Morikawa stated, visibly moved by the confluence of professional success and personal joy.
The Foundation of Support: Katherine Zhu's Role
Collin Morikawa and Katherine Zhu married in 2022, forming a partnership that has become central to the golfer's mental and emotional resilience. Zhu, a dedicated marathon runner who played golf collegiately before a brief professional stint, has been Morikawa's steadfast supporter through the intense pressures of professional golf.
In previous interviews, Morikawa has candidly discussed the psychological challenges of his sport. "Golf is a big part of my life and who I am. When it's going great, it's very easy to separate yourself. But when it's not going as well, your mind is constantly thinking about golf... It's just a never-ending cycle," he explained in a 2025 interview with Us Weekly.
Morikawa elaborated on the mental toll, noting, "It takes a toll out of you. I don't think people realize the stress it puts on our bodies that we go through every single day. We are trying to perfect this game... There's always going to be struggles that you have to maintain and balance."
A Partnership That Fuels Excellence
Through these challenges, Katherine Zhu has remained Morikawa's primary source of strength and motivation. "I wouldn't say it's a necessity for everyone, but it's a necessity for me. I'm so proud of her... the motivation she gives me with what she does with her running, it pushes me every day to get better," Morikawa revealed.
He further emphasized the importance of their relationship, adding, "It's lucky to have your best friend by your side and be able to go out and enjoy life, travel the world, see new places and do what I love." This foundation of mutual support has clearly contributed to Morikawa's ability to navigate the peaks and valleys of professional golf.
Entering a New Chapter of Joy and Achievement
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am victory represents more than just a return to winning form for Morikawa; it symbolizes a breakthrough after a period of perseverance. Combined with the impending arrival of their first child, this moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the couple.
Morikawa's performance at Pebble Beach demonstrated both technical mastery and emotional maturity, qualities that have been honed through his experiences on and off the course. The baby announcement added a layer of profound personal significance to what was already a career-defining achievement.
As Morikawa looks toward the future, he does so with renewed confidence, supported by a loving partnership and the anticipation of fatherhood. This dual celebration of professional accomplishment and family expansion underscores the golfer's evolving perspective on success, happiness, and what truly matters in life.
