Two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, Olympic champion Xander Schauffele and Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama can all be seen at the Narashino Country Club – live on Sky Sports all week
From Sky Sports Golf
Last updated: 10/20/21 9:43 am
Collin Morikawa (right) and Xander Schauffele (left) lead the Zozo Championship
Olympic champion Xander Schauffele has his sights set on further successes in Japan in order to get a “special” victory on the PGA Tour at the Zozo Championship.
The world’s number 5, whose grandparents live in Japan, is returning for the first time since winning all of a sudden and winning gold for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics in August.
Schauffele took part in Team USA’s record-breaking Ryder Cup success in Whistling Straits last month, but has not had an official PGA Tour title since the 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Schauffele won the Tokyo Olympics with one stroke against Rory Sabbatini
“It was a quick turnaround, lots of international travel to end our regular season on the PGA Tour,” said Schauffele. “The Ryder Cup was just after East Lake, so I had a bit of time off, but I haven’t really taken too much time. I wanted to play well last week and this week.
“I’m very excited. I was disappointed not to come to the Zozo in Japan last year so I was happy to go back to the Olympics. Then of course winning the gold medal was very special for my family and me Japan was really cool .
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“I’ve been looking forward to this tournament for some time. Winning here would be really cool. It would be really special to win twice in Japan, especially since I don’t live here. I think it would be a great honor.” for my family if I could and I’ll do my best this week. “
The tournament was relocated to California in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, but is back to its original venue this year, with the $ 9.95 million event also starring Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and the two-time major winner Collin Morikawa is represented.
Morikawa can move up to World No. 2 this week
“They are some of the best fans,” said Morikawa of the Japanese support. “Of course I used to be here for the Olympics and we didn’t have anyone and it just felt boring. Even though it was Olympia and we knew what we were playing for, it feels different when you have fans.
“I remember my first tee shot out here two years ago when fans were standing on stools and five or six people were standing in a row.
“Sometimes it’s not the best on our mind, but it’s fun because they really understand the game, they appreciate us for coming over and we appreciate them. They bring so much energy.”
Watch the Zozo Championship live on Sky Sports all week. Live coverage begins on Thursday at 5 a.m. via Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.