The Zozo Championship is shifting from the United States to Japan this week at Narashino Country Club, featuring a star-studded field with past winners like Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley, and Collin Morikawa. The course features Zoysiagrass fairways, tree-lined dog-legs, smaller Bentgrass greens, and a mix of birdie opportunities and challenging par 4s. With no cut, the limited field event has 78 players competing on a combination of the King and Queen courses, playing just under 7,100 yards.
With limited Strokes Gained data from past editions of the Zozo Championship, ball-striking and putting seem to be crucial for success. Winners like Morikawa, Bradley, and Matsuyama have excelled in Total Driving and iron play, ranking high in Greens in Regulation and Putting Average. Correlated courses like PGA National, The Renaissance Club, and Silverado emphasize similar demands in layouts to Narashino, providing insights into potential contenders. Beau Hossler, with strong performances at the course in the past and high rankings in Scrambling, Greens in Regulation Gained, and Putting, stands out as a solid pick at 38-1 odds.
Will Zalatoris, returning after a two-month hiatus, brings strong results from previous events at major championships and similar courses like TPC Southwind. Known for his iron play and ball-striking, Zalatoris presents a formidable challenge at 45-1 odds. J.J. Spaun, another adept ball-striker, boasts impressive rankings in total ball striking, approach, short Par 4s, and Greens in Regulation Gained. With consistent finishes in past events and a thriving record at correlated courses, Spaun is a dark horse at 50-1 odds.
Japanese native Ryo Hisatsune has shown improvement in his performances at the Zozo Championship each year, finishing 52nd in 2021 and climbing to 12th and sixth in subsequent years. With solid showings at TPC Craig Ranch and Valhalla, Hisatsune’s ball-striking prowess places him as a contender at 100-1 odds. Chirp Golf players’ picks for the event will provide further insights into potential contenders for the Zozo Championship. As the tournament unfolds in Japan, the field’s top players like Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Justin Thomas, Sungjae Im, and Sahith Theegala will be vying for victory in a competitive setting without a cut line.
