If the US Ryder Team wants to rebound from the Marco Simone heartbreak, it would need strong challengers who can adapt to the unique match-play formats. Collin Morikawa will bring just that, with one insider comparing him to the World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Although he may not be quite at that level yet, Andy Johnson from the Fried Egg Golf podcast believes Morikawa possesses one key quality that can break the European squad’s back.

While discussing this year’s Ryder Cup edition, host Andy Johnson emphasized the need to apply pressure and psychologically affect the European Team early on to establish dominance. Reflecting on that, Johnson dropped what he felt could demoralize the opponents.

“I think just in match play in general, the thing that can rip another opponent’s heart out more than anything is just approaches that make you feel like you never have a chance,” Johnson said on the podcast.

Collin Morikawa’s approach to golf embodies that exact sentiment. His precision and consistency under pressure are what make him an incredible Ryder Cup player. However, Johnson revealed the one quality that makes Morikawa a treasure to the American team.

“Why he’s been an incredible Ryder Cup player is that the guy up until this year has been a generational iron player,” Johnson declared.

Morikawa is one of the few players who can hit the greens from a remarkable distance with terrifying accuracy. Moreover, his ability to deliver consistently, even under pressure, elevates his long-range iron game.

Collin Morikawa’s stats as per the PGA Tour reinforce his dominance. Ranking 4th in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green (+0.812) and top percentile in proximity from 125–200 yards, he consistently hits greens with remarkable accuracy. He ranks 14th in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee with an average of +0.478, indicating that he consistently places the ball in favorable positions off the tee.

However, in the Ryder Cup context, this quality of Morikawa becomes even more powerful. Unlike the PGA Tour, match play dictates the Ryder Cup. That changes the dynamic, making every hole its own contest. Making a big shot while your opponent misses can crush them psychologically. Moreover, early leads can put further pressure on the European squad. That can falter the game of even the most seasoned players on the roster.

Reflecting on those struggles, Johnson shared his perspective, “One of the things with Morawa and his lack of distance that is interesting with match play is he’s hitting first into greens and he’s applying pressure with his otherworldly, generational talent of iron play.”

Morikawa’s ability to hit massive putts in matches like fourballs and foursomes leaves no margin of error for the opponents. Additionally, it gives the American team an edge with almost-guaranteed wins on the holes. If Morikawa can display his incredible iron putting, Keegan Bradley’s squad can earn an early lead. In the Ryder Cup, even one or two such holes can shift the entire trajectory of the game. That is exactly what makes Morikawa a crucial player on the team.

However, Johnson also acknowledged Morikawa’s disappointing 2025 season. Not only has the 28-year-old witnessed a turbulent and winless season this year, but he has also struggled with cracking the Top 10. With two missed cuts and limited high-ranking appearances, Morikawa’s performance becomes somewhat uncertain. A recent T43 at the lead-in Procore Championship raises a bigger red flag in the Ryder Cup star’s shot-shaping ability.

However, historically, Morikawa has been a beacon of precision-striking when it comes to the Ryder Cup.

Collin Morikawa’s Ryder Cup run

In his Ryder Cup debut at Whistling Straits, Collin Morikawa first displayed his exceptional iron play for the American team. With a 3-0-1 record that year, Morikawa was undefeated. However, his true skill shone through at the paired fourballs and foursomes matches. Partnering with Dustin Johnson, the duo took on Paul Casey & Viktor Hovland (3 & 2) and Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (2 & 1) in their foursomes matches. In the fourballs, the duo paired once again, delivering a statement win against Europe’s best. That came against Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy with a 4&3 victory. Meanwhile, Morikawa halved his singles match.

Morikawa’s precise iron play and calm demeanor were instrumental in his undefeated record in 2021. Reflecting on his Ryder Cup experience, Morikawa remarked, “It’s something you’ll carry for the rest of your life, but in that moment, you want to do everything you can to bring the best golf and human you are.” 

In the following edition, Collin Morikawa finished with a 1–1–0 record. He secured a strong four-ball victory alongside Sam Burns but fell in the singles match to Viktor Hovland. Despite the mixed results, his performance highlighted both his skill and resilience in high-pressure match play.

Currently, he has a Ryder Cup record of 4-3-1 across three appearances, reflecting effectiveness even in the highest-pressure team settings. However, whether Morikawa will be able to bring that same reliable iron play this year remains a question.