History might yawn at the result, Morikawa ranked seventh in the world coming in. But it was a game-time decision for him to even play given back issues that emerged last month, and he walked the final 18 holes with a noticeably awkward gate. "Honestly, for me it was just survive each day," he said Sunday.

Morikawa’s finish was also notable given his five-year Masters exemption for winning the 2021 Open ran out on Sunday. But that T-7 locked up an invite to Augusta next year.

Oh, in case you're curious, here's an early look at everybody already in the field for the 2027 Masters.