The Zozo Championship is a professional golf tournament co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and the Japan Golf Tour. Established in 2019, it holds the distinction of being the first official PGA Tour event ever held in Japan. The tournament is typically played in October as part of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup fall schedule.
History
The Zozo Championship was inaugurated in 2019 as part of a strategic initiative by the PGA Tour to expand its global presence, particularly in Asia. The event was immediately noteworthy for its host, Japan, and for attracting a strong field of players, including golfing legend Tiger Woods, who famously won the inaugural edition. This victory marked Woods' record-tying 82nd PGA Tour win, equaling Sam Snead's long-standing record.
In 2020, due to travel restrictions and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was temporarily moved to Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California, United States, and was rebranded as the "Zozo Championship @ Sherwood." It returned to its home in Japan in 2021.
Format and Course
The Zozo Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event. Unlike most PGA Tour events, it typically features a limited field of around 78 players and does not have a 36-hole cut, meaning all participants play all four rounds.
The tournament is primarily held at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Inzai, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The course is known for its challenging layout, featuring two distinct greens on each hole—a common design element in Japanese golf courses—though only one is typically used for the tournament.
Significance
The Zozo Championship plays a crucial role in the PGA Tour's schedule, offering:
- FedEx Cup Points: Full FedEx Cup points are awarded to participants, contributing to their standing for the season.
- Prize Money: It offers a substantial prize purse, attracting top talent from around the world.
- Global Expansion: It solidifies the PGA Tour's commitment to international golf and provides a platform for Japanese players to compete against the world's best on home soil.
- Cultural Exchange: It allows golf fans in Japan to experience a PGA Tour event firsthand and showcases Japanese hospitality and golf culture to an international audience.
Past Champions
| Year | Champion | Country | Score | Margin of Victory | Runner(s)-up | Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Collin Morikawa | United States | -14 | 6 strokes | Eric Cole, Beau Hossler | Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club |
| 2022 | Keegan Bradley | United States | -15 | 1 stroke | Rickie Fowler, Andrew Putnam | Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club |
| 2021 | Hideki Matsuyama | Japan | -15 | 5 strokes | Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale | Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club |
| 2020 | Patrick Cantlay | United States | -23 | 1 stroke | Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm | Sherwood Country Club |
| 2019 | Tiger Woods | United States | -19 | 3 strokes | Hideki Matsuyama | Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club |
External Links
- Official Zozo Championship Website
- PGA Tour Tournament Page