Collin Morikawa recently reignited his ongoing media clash during the 2025 Rocket Classic held at Detroit Golf Club, responding to coverage about his unexpected caddie change. This Collin Morikawa media clash arose after Golfweek journalist Alan Schupak’s reporting stirred frustration for the two-time major champion, prompting widespread debate in the golf community over media conduct and player sensitivity.

The controversy began when Schupak published an article noting,

Morikawa, who is scheduled to compete this week at the Rocket Classic, confirmed as much [caddie split] before teeing off in Wednesday’s ProAm.

Morikawa reacted sharply, questioning why the quote made him appear negatively, saying,

would make me sound bad because you put out my quote that I was playing with pro-am partner.

This exchange underlined the tension between Morikawa and the media, highlighting the golfer’s preference for privacy and timing in discussing delicate career developments. Former PGA Tour professional Smylie Kaufman publicly supported Morikawa’s position, emphasizing the importance of timing when addressing sensitive topics like caddie changes.

Former Tour Pro Explains Why Morikawa Was Justified in His Reaction

Smylie Kaufman, alongside co-host Charlie Hulme, discussed the incident on The Smylie Show, expressing empathy for Morikawa’s stance. Kaufman acknowledged that while it is acceptable for reporters to inquire about issues such as a caddie dismissal, the setting matters greatly. He remarked,

All right, so I’ll start from Collin’s standpoint. He’s absolutely right.

He added that asking such questions during the first tee of a pro-am event is ill-timed and inappropriate, stating,

Of course, it’s been confirmed that Joe Greiner is not working that week, but there’s a time and a place to ask, and it’s definitely not on the first tee of the pro-am.

Kaufman reiterated this point by noting,

The timing of that is really poor.

Morikawa’s curt response to reporters ahead of the pro-am made his discomfort clear, as he said,

Ask me anything you want in my press conference later. I’m with my pro-am partners now.

When Morikawa later participated in the press conference, Schupak questioned him again about the caddie split, at which point Morikawa confirmed the change and added,

And I read your article that you wrote.

Kaufman maintained his support, insisting,

[I stand] with Colin on this. I’m not saying that Schupak was in the wrong in all this; he’s just doing his job reporting the news.

Journalist Alan Schupak Responds to Morikawa’s Criticism

Following the heated interaction, Schupak defended his approach by expressing that he intended to recognize Morikawa’s focus on the pro-am and did not mean to cast any negative light. He stated,

I thought I was actually giving you credit that you were playing, you were focused on your pro-am partners.

Morikawa, however, disagreed with that interpretation, replying,

Okay, we can all read it very differently. That’s not how I read it.

Despite the tension, Schupak remains a well-regarded journalist in golf, but how this dispute will affect his professional standing remains unclear.

Morikawa’s Ongoing Media Challenges and Caddie Change Context

This incident is not Morikawa’s first contentious moment with the media. Earlier in 2025, after surrendering a three-stroke lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Morikawa sharply criticized media expectations, declaring, I don’t owe anyone anything. One likely factor fueling his sensitivity is this history of strained media interactions.

The current caddie change involves Morikawa parting ways with Joe Greiner after only five tournaments, opting to work with KK Limbhasut at the Rocket Classic. While Morikawa’s reaction has found empathy among some former players and fans, it has also drawn criticism from others within golf journalism and the broader public who question his media demeanor.

Amid the scrutiny, the question remains: is Morikawa justified in defending his privacy and communication boundaries, or does he need greater resilience dealing with the unavoidable pressures of public life as a champion?

Media Figures Question Morikawa’s Sensitivity to Coverage

Not everyone sees Morikawa’s reaction as warranted. Reporter Kyle Porter publicly questioned the golfer’s frustration after examining the disputed quote in Schupak’s article. Sharing it on social media, Porter provocatively asked,

Here it is. Morikawa thinks this … makes him look bad?

This highlights a view widely shared among media members who consider Morikawa’s concerns to be excessive.

Similarly, journalist Christopher Powers expressed bafflement over Morikawa’s response, urging readers to revisit the article and questioning,

I beg everyone to read this article and try your very hardest to figure out what the FUCK Collin Morikawa is even talking about.

These social media reactions suggest that many believe Schupak’s reporting was straightforward and that Morikawa might benefit from developing tougher skin amid routine scrutiny.

The ongoing debate underscores the challenges faced by prominent athletes balancing transparency with privacy, particularly in the intense spotlight that comes with being a two-time major champion. As Morikawa and the media continue to navigate this uneasy relationship, future exchanges will likely shape how sports figures and journalists interact moving forward.