Collin Morikawa, the two-time major golf champion, engaged in a tense exchange with a reporter during his pre-tournament press conference at the Rocket Classic. The confrontation arose over reports concerning Morikawa's recent decision to part ways with his second caddie in as many months. Morikawa expressed frustration with the reporter's line of questioning, stating, "I have to stand up for myself because I’m not going to let someone throw little jabs at me and just make me into someone I’m not." The incident drew attention ahead of The Open, with Morikawa emphasizing his need to defend his character against perceived negative portrayals related to his caddie changes.