On Friday, Hideki Matsuyama’s chances of earning a second ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP title were dashed, but other well-known Japanese players appeared on the top following a wind-whipped second round.
Eight-time PGA TOUR winner Matsuyama struggled to a disappointing 6-over 76 at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in winds up to 36 mph and is now behind second-round leader Beau Hossler by 12 strokes.
Hossler, who was going for his first PGA TOUR triumph, shot an impressive 65 in difficult conditions to hold a one-stroke lead over Justin Suh, who shot a 66 in the lone event on the PGA TOUR in Japan.
While fellow countrymen Yuki Inamori (67/-4/T4), Mikumu Horikawa (72/-3/T8), and Ryo Ishikawa (69/-3/T8) brought the total of Japanese players in the top 10 to 4 going into the weekend rounds, Satoshi Kodaira, who has one PGA TOUR win in 2018, brilliantly carded a 68 for solo third on 5-under, 2 off the lead.
“I want to make the most of this chance and work as hard as I can. I’m grateful that ZOZO (sponsor exemption) gave me the chance to participate in this week’s game. Of course, my goal is to score as many points as I can, which should benefit me for the upcoming season.” said Kodaira, the winner of the RBC Heritage five years ago but he has not attained a top 10 in his previous 105 PGA TOUR starts.
On the FedExCup Fall Ranking, he is expected to climb from 185th to 129th place. Players in the top 125 are exempt from playing in Full-Field events and THE PLAYERS Championship on the PGA TOUR the following season.
“I tried to grab as much space as I could when I could, but again, I didn’t want to get overly greedy with the wind. I simply remained composed the entire round,” said 34-year-old Kodaira who scored 3 birdies and 1 bogey.
Ishikawa, 32, was highly regarded before Matsuyama’s rise to prominence. As a youthful sensation, he competed in two Presidents Cups (in 2009 and 2011) and spent multiple seasons on the PGA TOUR, where he finished second twice in his career. Even though he has won 18 times on the Japan Golf Tour, he still has aspirations of returning to the United States.
A victory on Sunday would grant a two-year PGA TOUR exemption.
“It’s Japan’s lone PGA TOUR event. I’m thrilled and thrilled about it. This week has been exciting so far. Playing golf and staying true to my game are the most important things. That should put me in a strong position to win, in my opinion. Today was really windy. I believe it was simply a difficult round overall because it’s something I’m not used to.” said Ishikawa who made 4 birdies and 3 bogeys.
World No. 6, Xander Schauffele, battled to a 69 for tied fourth place, three back. Two-time major winner and leader of the first round, Collin Morikawa, carded a 73 to finish the day in eighth place on 3-under, among other players. Reigning champion Keegan Bradley added a 70 to his opening 67.
