World number four Collin Morikawa is the defending champion at this week’s ZOZO Championship.
The event at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Japan is one of the only international tournaments that takes place on the PGA Tour.
Morikawa romped to victory 12 months ago, finished on 14 under, six shots clear of his nearest challenger, Eric Cole.
Presidents Cup star Morikawa is now back in action for the first time since the United States’ dominant victory at Royal Montreal Golf Club, and the American feels this could be a “significant” week on tour.
Collin Morikawa: PGA Tour international events are ‘significant’
During a recent blog on the PGA Tour’s website, Morikawa explained that the international nature of the ZOZO Championship, coupled with his Japanese heritage, makes the event extra special.
“There are only a few places around the world where you hope to win before the end of your career, and for me, Japan is one of those places. Winning the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP last October meant the world to me,” said Morikawa.
“With my heritage being half Japanese and my last name being Morikawa, it’s just so special. Achieving success around the world is never easy in our sport.”
The two-time major winner continued: “We play so much in the U.S. that when we have these opportunities to play internationally and play in a country that I love and have respect for, it’s very significant. I can now check that off my bucket list and say I’ve done it, and hopefully, I can continue to repeat my success in the years to come.”
Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama join Collin Morikawa at the ZOZO Championship
A strong PGA Tour field has descended on Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club for this week’s international event.
Xander Schauffele is the highest-ranked player set to feature in what will also be his first appearance since the Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal.
Hometown favourite Hideki Matsuyama is also in the field and will be looking to build on what was a strong finish to the PGA Tour season during the FedEx Cup playoffs. The Japanese star won the ZOZO Championship in 2021, just months after his Masters triumph.
Justin Thomas is also back in action for the first time since the Tour Championship. Other notable names include Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, Sahith Theegala and Min Woo Lee.
Unfortunately, world number one Scottie Scheffler couldn’t be persuaded to cut short his end-of-season break to make the trip across the Pacific. It’s a similar story for Rory McIlroy, with the Northern Irishman taking some downtime after the hectic autumn swing on the DP World Tour.
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