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The island of Maui in Hawaii is being ravaged with catastrophic wildfires that have destroyed homes, overwhelmed hospitals and decimated cultural sites.
For two-time major champion Collin Morikawa, it’s important to do what he can for a place that holds so much meaning and history for him.
“Maui has always held a special place in my heart – my grandfather owned a restaurant called The Morikawa Restaurant, on Front Street in Lahaina,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
“The people of Hawaii are going to need all the support that we can give them. During the course of the FedExCup Playoffs, I’m going to donate $1,000 for every birdie that I make.”
Morikawa’s family emigrated to Maui from Japan, and his paternal grandparents were born and raised in Maui. His grandparents eventually relocated to California, where his parents met and he grew up, but Morikawa spent many summers in Maui. It’s a second home to the 26-year-old, who still has lots of family on the Big Island.
Maui is home to a PGA TOUR Signature Event, The Sentry, held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, where Morikawa has enjoyed consistent success. In four starts, he has finished no worse than T7, including a solo second earlier this year.
According to multiple news outlets, officials have reported at least 36 people have died in the fires, which have been fanned in part by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm.
Morikawa has not identified a beneficiary of the money yet, adding, “The recency of these events means we haven’t identified the best place for the funds to go yet but as the situation evolves, I’ll share the beneficiary to highlight the recovery work they’ll be doing and how you can also support.”