Hideki Matsuyama, a well-known golfer from Japan, has two goals in mind this week: winning the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP for the second time in three years and helping 13 of his fellow citizens, whose lives may be turned around right now, by winning at home.
Eight-time PGA TOUR winner Matsuyama says he “feels good” about going back to Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, where he finished runner-up to Tiger Woods in the 2019 inaugural event and won by five strokes in 2021. This will be Matsuyama’s first appearance in two months since the BMW Championship in August.
“Yes, many happy recollections. Participating in the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP is always an honor. It’s been two months since my last tournament participation. It’s been a while since I had that much time off, so I really took it easy the first month. However, the last month, I’ve been working hard to get back into shape, and I feel good about this week.” said Matsuyama.
Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters winner, will also be supporting his countrymen to succeed in the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, which is co-sanctioned with the Japan Golf Tour. These players include the reigning champion Keegan Bradley, World No. 6 Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, and the Australian pair Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee.
With the exception of Matsuyama’s top performances, Takumi Kanaya (T7 in 2021), Ryo Hisatsune (T12 in 2022), and Keita Kitajima (T12 in 2022) have the next best Japanese results during the previous four years.
This week’s 78-man field includes all three of these growing stars: Ryo Ishikawa, an 18-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, who finished second behind Aguri Iwasaki last weekend, and Iwasaki, who won his first career victory at the Japan Open Golf Championship on the home circuit on Sunday.
“I watch every Japanese player, but my favorite is Iwasaki. He’s had a difficult year in Europe, as I’ve been aware of while following him. It was quite a delight to watch him win the Japan Open on Sunday. My suspicion is that I felt more anxious about him than he did.” Matsuyama said.
“I’m here to have fun and possibly win. That objective is also shared by the other JGTO players, thus achieving it will depend entirely on how effectively you play. Playing alongside PGA TOUR pros is not only a fantastic experience, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity. In my opinion, this event has aided in my personal development every year. All I want to do is play my game, hopefully with the help of other JGTO players, and let the world see what we’re capable of.” stated Kanaya, the current number 1 on the Japan world tour.
Similar to Kanaya, Nakajima aspires to play on the PGA TOUR with Matsuyama after being impressed by his success. The 23-year-old was in contention for the win after 36 holes in the previous year’s ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, but he had to settle for a share of 12th 12th-place finish.
“Here is where Japanese players may win. Since it is being held in Japan, players from other countries are unfamiliar with Japanese grass. We are at a benefit. If I receive a card on the PGA TOUR, I will join the TOUR as soon as possible. I was a little anxious about this difficult golf course the previous year. This year, I’m more confident that I can compete in the tournament.” said Keita Nakajima a three-time winner of the Japan Golf tour.
Before injuries derailed his career, 32-year-old Ishikawa competed on the PGA TOUR for several seasons, finishing two times as runner-up and nine times in the top ten. According to him, the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP offers Japanese players still another chance to advance in their professional careers.
“That won’t be simple because we’re up against the greatest in the world. It’s nice that we have more opportunities. I think this week will see several outstanding Japanese players. A Japanese player has a chance to win, or at least place among the winners. Although it’s not simple, the motivation is quite strong.” said Ishikawa.
Hisatsune, 21, will have more bounce in his step after his excellent performance the previous year. He won the Cazoo Open de France last month, making history as the third Japanese player to win on the DP World Tour, behind Isao Aoki and Matsuyama. Right now, he can qualify for the PGA TOUR in 2024 by finishing in the top 10 on the DP World Tour.
“My goal is to work hard and eventually win on the PGA TOUR. My goal is to become a player who can win big championships, just like Matsuyama did,” said Hisatsune.
