Collin Morikawa fires back at ex-players criticism as golf feud erupts

PONTE VEDRA, Fla.— Collin Morikawa, the 28-year-old fourth-ranked golfer in the world, on Friday after his second round at the Players Championship lashed out at several former players turned media personalities for criticizing him.The controversy stemmed from Morikawa declining to be interviewed after failing to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, and then, speaking to reporters on Tuesday in advance of the Players, he said he doesn’t “owe” anyone anything for not speaking.Morikawa lost a three-shot lead with five holes to play Sunday at Bay Hill, and then he declined a request from by a PGA Tour media official to speak to reporters.On Tuesday, Morikawa explained his stance, saying, “I don’t owe anyone anything.

No offense to you guys (reporters), but for me in the moment of that time, I didn’t want to be around anyone.Like, I didn’t want to talk to anyone.”That comment set off Brandel Chamblee and Paul McGinley from the Golf Channel and Rocco Mediate, who plays on the Champions Tour.All three teed off on Morikawa.So, at the end of his post-round session with reporters Friday after shooting a second-round 65 to get to 9-under and two shots out of the lead, Morikawa kept the interview going by offering this:“I just want to add one more thing.

I might bite my tongue after saying this, but to the Brandel Chamblees, to the Paul McGinleys, to the Rocco Mediates of the world, I don’t regret anything I said.You know, it might have been a little bit harsh that I don’t owe anyone, but I don’t owe anyone.“I respect the fans.

I’m very thankful for them.I’m grateful.

It makes me emotional, but it’s just … it hurts to hear people say this, and especially you guys, because I finished the round and I went to go sign (autographs) for 10 minutes, 15 minutes for all the people after.“Not a single person from media went to go follow me because, I don’t know.But that’s me.

So, for people to be calling me out is … it’s intere...