On a Saturday morning in Japan, many people will be glued to their television screens or phones, including professional golfers Max Homa and Collin Morikawa. The pair is competing in the 2024 Zozo Championship, but they are not the only Los Angeles Dodgers fans in Japan. This is largely due to the presence of Shohei Ohtani, considered the best player in baseball, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a talented pitcher.
As Game 1 of the World Series between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees kicks off in California, the third round of the Zozo Championship will begin in Japan, creating an exciting sports-filled day for fans. Homa expressed his admiration for Ohtani, calling him the best baseball player he has ever seen. Being in Japan while supporting a team with Japanese star players is a dream scenario for Homa and many other fans in the country.
The time zone difference means that fans in Japan will be enjoying early morning baseball games, also known as “coffee baseball,” before heading out to the golf course to watch the PGA Tour players in action. Morikawa shared his experience of watching the Dodgers play while in Japan, highlighting the convenience of being able to catch the games on television upon waking up in the morning.
During the Zozo Championship, it is expected that fans will keep the players updated on the progress of the World Series games as they wait on tee boxes or stroll down fairways. Despite the focus on the tournament and the substantial financial rewards at stake, Homa is unapologetic about displaying his loyalty to the Dodgers. He expressed a desire to attend a game in person but acknowledged the excitement of witnessing the team’s success from Japan.
The presence of Japanese baseball stars on the Dodgers roster has undoubtedly increased the team’s popularity in Japan, where fans have embraced the opportunity to support their favorite players from afar. The intersection of baseball and golf during this weekend will create a unique and thrilling sports-watching experience for fans across the country. The combination of world-class golf and high-stakes baseball adds to the excitement of the weekend.
