Collin Morikawa improved his score by eight shots in the second round of the U.S. Open after switching back to his usual wedge. The change followed an early decision to alter the club that he later called stupid.
Morikawa shot a five-under 65 on Friday at Shinnecock Hills after opening with a 73. He moved to two-under par for the tournament and into a tie for fourth place.
The golfer had played his first round with a new TaylorMade MG5 60-degree wedge that lacked its usual bounce. He had made the change after a Monday practice round on soft ground but found the club performed poorly once conditions firmed.
Morikawa said he returned to his standard wedge after completing the delayed first round on Friday morning. The adjustment restored his confidence on chip shots and produced sharper short-game results.
A back injury had already limited his starts earlier in the season. The equipment correction gave him a stronger position heading into the weekend.