"We All Have Our Egos...": Collin Morikawa Speaks His Mind on Arnold Palmer Invitational Field Leader's Personality

Mar 7, 2026, 9:12 AM CUT

PEBBLE BEACH, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Collin Morikawa of the United States looks on at 16th hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2026 on February 15, 2026 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 15 PGA, Golf Herren AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602150234

Daniel Berger is setting the pace at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His on-course confidence is no surprise to Collin Morikawa. The major champion weighed in on Berger's personality, referencing their shared history and the ego required to compete at golf's highest level.

“I think we're all confident in our own way, right. We all have our egos,” a seven-time PGA Tour winner said during the press conference of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Friday. “You have to have an ego in some regards to be able to go out here and compete. He's one that will vocalize it and I think we all know that and there's nothing wrong with that.”

Chasing his first PGA Tour victory in five years, Daniel Berger set the pace early at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge on Thursday. Starting in the morning wave, Berger posted a 9-under 63 to take the opening-round lead. The round placed him three shots ahead heading into Friday.

Right behind him, Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg carded 6-under 66s. Morikawa played in the morning group, while Åberg recorded the lowest score among the afternoon starters.

Morikawa, seeking his second signature event title of the 2026 season, closed his round with a late surge. He made an eagle on the 16th hole, followed by two birdies, finishing with one of the best three-hole stretches of his career at Bay Hill.

Speaking during the press conference, Morikawa reflected on the times he had shared pairings with Daniel Berger earlier in his career.

Collin Morikawa on Daniel Berger: “When He’s Getting Going, It Shows”

After spending more than a year away from competition due to a back issue, Daniel Berger has worked his way back into contention on the PGA Tour. His current run at the Arnold Palmer Invitational shows his progress since returning from that setback.

And the 2026 season is showing signs of stability. Berger recorded a top-six finish at the Sony Open and now finds himself leading the field at Bay Hill.

Morikawa also spoke about being paired with Berger earlier in his career.

“I haven't played with him as much recently. I played a good amount with him on TOUR just in pairings early on in my career. But he's a great player. When he's getting going, obviously it shows,” Morikawa said.

What do you think of Daniel Berger’s confidence on the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar