Colin Morikawa helps recovery efforts in Maui during the FedExCup Qualifiers.
Morikawa announced on Instagram that he plans to donate $1,000 to relief efforts from the devastating and deadly fire in Hawaii for every birdie he makes during the PGA Tour playoffs.
“Lahaina and other areas of Maui and the Big Island are currently being decimated by wildfires. Homes have been destroyed, families have been displaced, and it’s not over yet,” Morikawa wrote.
Hawaiians will need all the support we can give them. During the qualifying period, I will donate $1,000 for each bird I make.”
Several members of Morikawa’s family were born and raised on the island of Maui, and his grandfather owned a restaurant in Lahaina. Morikawa was born in Los Angeles, but still has family both on Maui and on the Big Island.
At least 36 people have been killed after a wildfire ripped through the west side of Maui this week. Much of the town of Lahaina was destroyed, and Gov. Josh Green said Thursday that the death toll is expected to be more than 60 in the near future, In The New York Times. It is unclear how the fire started. President Joe Biden declared a national emergency.
The PGA Tour plays two tournaments in Hawaii each year. The 2024 Sentry Tournament of Champions will kick off in January at Plantation Stadium in Kapalua, Maui. The Sony Hawaii Open is then held the following week in Honolulu.
Morikawa did not specify where exactly he would donate the money.
“The novelty of these events means we haven’t determined the best place for the money to go yet, but as the situation evolves, I’ll be sharing with Beneficiary to highlight their recovery work and how you too can provide support,” he wrote.
Although it’s still early days, Morikawa’s pledge got off to a good start Thursday at TPC Southwind in Memphis. The 26-year-old was awarded the Under-65 5-card to open the FedEx St. He made six birdies in the opening round, bringing the total to $6,000 already. If he can make it to the Tour Championship and all 12 rounds in the postseason, that should result in a big donation.
Morikawa has won five times in his career, most recently at the British Open in 2021. He has five top-10 finishes so far this season, and entered this week’s FedExCup qualifiers at No. 22 in the standings.
