Who is Collin Morikawa’s Wife, Katherine Zhu?
Behind many successful athletes is a supportive partner, and for PGA Tour star Collin Morikawa, that person is Katherine Zhu. But to define her simply as Collin Morikawa’s wife would be an understatement.
Zhu is a talented athlete in her own right, a dedicated partner, and a woman with a fascinating story that stretches from the golf courses of California to the running paths of New York City.
A Foundation Built on Athletics
Katherine Zhu was born in Vancouver, Canada, into a family with a strong athletic pedigree. Her father, Mike Chu, was a champion tennis player, and her mother was a track athlete. This environment instilled in her a love for sports from a young age.
While she was born in Canada, Zhu spent her high school years in China, attending the Zhuji Hailiang Private High School. This international experience gave her a unique perspective that she would later say helped her connect with people from diverse backgrounds throughout her life.
A Shared Passion for Golf
Golf is a central theme in the story of Collin and Katherine. It’s the sport that brought them together and one they continue to share with a competitive and loving spirit.
Katherine Zhu’s Collegiate Golf Career
Zhu was a formidable collegiate golfer. She played for four years at Pepperdine University, where she majored in International Management. Her skills on the course were undeniable.
She earned WGCA All-American Scholar honors and was recognized as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar for her excellence in both athletics and academics. Her impressive scoring average of 76.54 speaks to her dedication and talent in the sport.
A Competitive Spirit
The competitive fire hasn’t faded. Collin has openly admitted that Katherine often gets the better of him in their friendly matches, especially when it comes to their chipping competitions.
He estimates she beats him about 70 percent of the time, a testament to her sharp skills. This friendly rivalry not only keeps their bond strong but also pushes him to be a better player.
A College Romance
Their love story began on the collegiate golf circuit, a classic tale of two athletes finding each other through a shared passion.
How Collin and Katherine Met
The couple met in 2017. At the time, Collin was playing for the University of California, Berkeley, while Katherine was at Pepperdine. Despite being at different schools, the world of collegiate golf brought them together.
Collin has often joked that his winning streak in college didn’t start until Katherine came into his life, a sweet acknowledgment of the positive impact she has had on him from the very beginning.
The Romantic Proposal
After four years of dating, Collin decided to make it official. In November 2021, he proposed to Katherine in the Bahamas. He later confessed to being far more nervous proposing than he ever is competing in a major golf tournament.
A Fairytale Wedding in Bel-Air
On November 26, 2022, Collin Morikawa and Katherine Zhu were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. The event was an intimate affair with around 100 of their closest friends and family.
Katherine was stunning in a Vera Wang gown for the ceremony, later changing into a Galia Lahav dress for the reception. Even their beloved goldendoodle, Koa, was part of the special day, dressed in his own tuxedo.
Life Beyond the Fairway
Katherine’s life is not just about golf. She is a constant source of support for Collin and has cultivated her own passions and achievements outside the sport.
A Supportive Partner on and off the Course
Zhu is a familiar face at PGA Tour events, always there to support her husband. She understands the pressures of the game and provides a grounding presence for him, whether he has a good or bad day on the course.
She has even caddied for him, most notably during the Par Three Contest at the 2022 Masters, showcasing their seamless partnership in both life and sport.
A Passion for Running
In recent years, Katherine has developed a passion for long-distance running. She has completed several half marathons and even took on the challenge of the 2024 New York City Marathon.
Her dedication to this demanding sport is another example of her athletic drive and determination, a quality that undoubtedly complements her life with a professional athlete.
A Partnership in Life and Sport
The relationship between Collin Morikawa and his wife, Katherine Zhu, is a partnership built on a foundation of shared passions, mutual respect, and unwavering support.
From their competitive chipping contests to her presence in the gallery at major championships, their journey together is a compelling story of two individuals who found each other and continue to build a life that is both inspiring and deeply connected.
