As Collin Morikawa headed to the practice range, the resonant sounds of The Sentry's inaugural ceremony filled the air, setting the stage for the commencement of his 2024 season.

An hour preceding the tournament's initial tee time, under the rising sun on Kapalua's Plantation Course, a captivating ceremony unfolded. Encompassing blessings and chants, it marked the onset of the new year, symbolizing regrowth, renewal, and rebirth.

This year, the significance of that theme is heightened, given the ongoing recovery of the nearby Lahaina community from the fires of the previous year.

Of all the golfers in The Sentry field, Morikawa holds a unique bond with Lahaina, and that personal connection stirred deep emotions as he made his way to the driving range on Thursday morning. This special link played a role not only in Morikawa launching The Sentry but also in initiating the start of the 2024 PGA TOUR season with the honor of hitting the opening tee shot.

Morikawa's positive momentum in the season persisted, with only 64 strokes following that initial tee shot. His exceptional performance, marked by six birdies and an eagle, translates to an additional $32,000 earmarked for Maui relief. Morikawa's commitment to donate $2,000 per birdie and $4,000 per eagle this week, coupled with Adidas pledging to match his contributions, reflects a substantial contribution towards the charitable cause.

“I know what everyone has gone through, you hear it from these families, and you meet everyone out here on the island that knows someone or has been affected firsthand,” Morikawa said. “Maui's small. Hawaii's very, very small. People know everyone. Just got emotional. Being able to hit that first tee shot, it was an honor just to be able to do that and, it's a great way to kick off the new year.”

Anticipation fills the air on the inaugural day, or in the PGA TOUR's context, the Opening Drive, as a fresh season unfolds, bringing boundless possibilities. No player has faced a series of missed cuts or grappled with putting struggles. The potential for numerous victories in the upcoming year knows no bounds.

The spirit of optimism was palpable on Thursday. Securing a spot in The Sentry is a reward for past success, and a strong performance on the opening day sparks optimism for continued excellence as the calendar takes its turn.

In October, Morikawa broke a two-year victory dry spell by winning the ZOZO Championship. His triumph coincided with a coaching switch to Mark Blackburn, focusing on refining his body rotation. This adjustment not only restored Morikawa's confidence by eliminating leftward ball misses but also brought him back to his former self, resembling the player who secured five victories, including two majors, in his initial three seasons.

“You're going to hit bad shots,” Morikawa said, “but if I can have that freedom in my head that I can swing as hard as I want and as cleanly as I want and not worry where the ball's going to go that's all I can ask for.”

“That was as big of an honor as I could have had,” Morikawa said. ”Not because it was the first tournament of the year, but because it was out here in Maui, everything that this week represents for me. It just means that much more.”

In his four outings at The Sentry, his lowest finish has been seventh, securing a runner-up position last year despite holding a six-shot lead heading into the final round. The distinctive challenge presented by Kapalua's Plantation Course, marked by broad fairways and expansive greens to counter the prevalent mountain winds, is unparalleled on the PGA TOUR. Notably, the course's defining feature is its steep slopes, compelling players to navigate shots seldom encountered elsewhere. For Morikawa, Thursday's inaugural tee shot held a unique significance, setting it apart from any other experience.

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