Collin Morikawa acknowledges that "winning is challenging" as he prepares to defend his title in Japan

Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa, aged 27, expressed on Wednesday that "winning is tough" as he seeks his first victory of the year at the Zozo Championship, part of the US PGA Tour, taking place in Japan this week.

The American golfer secured last year's title at Narashino Country Club, located near Tokyo, with a six-shot lead, successfully ending a two-year period without a win.

Since then, he has not claimed another trophy and characterized his 2024 season, which has featured two second-place finishes, as "solid" rather than extraordinary.

Morikawa was a member of the United States team that triumphed over the Internationals at the Presidents Cup in Montreal last month, and he aims to maintain that momentum during this week's competition in Japan.

"It's an event I eagerly anticipate each year. Having won last year, I have many fond memories," stated Morikawa, who has Japanese ancestry.

"It marked my first victory in two years. The reality is, winning is challenging. Regardless of the circumstances, winning is difficult. One must learn the art of winning."

Morikawa will face competition from fellow American Xander Schauffele, who achieved victories at the PGA Championship and British Open in a remarkable 2024, as well as Japan's Olympic bronze medalist Hideki Matsuyama.

Morikawa finished as the runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at the season-ending Tour Championship last month but remarked, "you just never know what to expect" when the tournament commences.

"Each tournament is unique; you can never predict how you will perform on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday," he noted.

"It is essential to approach each day and each shot with focus, taking nothing for granted."

Morikawa found it challenging to manage his emotions when he lifted the Zozo Championship trophy last year.

"Honestly, I am not typically an emotional person," he remarked.

"When something significant occurs, the outcome is often unpredictable."