Morikawa's Triumphant Return
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with precision and poise on the golf course, has once again etched his name into the annals of golf history. The 2023 ZOZO Championship witnessed Morikawa’s return to the winner’s circle, a position he had not occupied since his major triumph at the 2021 Open Championship. His latest victory not only marked a resurgence of form but also served as a reminder of his burgeoning talent, which seems to only grow with each swing.
A Dominant Performance
The tournament, boasting an $8.5 million purse, saw Morikawa secure the lion's share, pocketing a cool $1,530,000 for his efforts. From October 19 to October 22, Morikawa displayed a masterclass in golf, finishing at 14-under par, a remarkable six shots clear of his nearest competitors. This commanding lead underscored his dominant performance throughout the event.
Notable participants such as Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler graced the fairways alongside Morikawa, adding to the championship's competitive edge. Yet, it was Morikawa who stood out, navigating the course with the ease and confidence of a seasoned pro, despite the two-year hiatus from the top spot.
Rewarding Consistency
The ZOZO Championship is unique in its structure, rewarding every participant with prize money due to the absence of a cut. This format fosters a spirit of inclusivity and ensures that all golfers are compensated for their participation, promoting competitiveness across the board.
Eric Cole and Beau Hossler reaped the benefits of this system, both tying for second place with impressive 8-under performances, each earning $748,000. Their stellar play over the four days secured them a handsome reward and highlighted the depth of talent present on the tour.
In a shared fourth place finish, Ryo Ishikawa and Robby Shelton ended the tournament at 7-under, with each taking home $374,000. Their consistency across the tournament reflected the high standards set by the field and the fine margins that often dictate the outcomes in professional golf.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Further down the leaderboard, a quartet of golfers including Kensei Hirata, Ryo Hisatsune, Min Woo Lee, and J.J. Spaun, tied for sixth place at 6-under, each securing $275,187.50. Emiliano Grillo and Justin Suh, who tied for tenth place at 5-under, walked away with $221,000 each.
The competition remained tight as Cam Davis, Sungjae Im, and Satoshi Kodaira found themselves in a three-way tie for twelfth place at 4-under, each earning $178,500. Matt NeSmith finished alone in fifteenth at 3-under par, netting $151,640 for his solid performance.
Yuki Inamori, Kurt Kitayama, and Taylor Montgomery ended the tournament tied for sixteenth at 2-under, each pocketing $133,960. Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley and Sahith Theegala tied for nineteenth place at 1-under, each earning $112,710.
Golfers who finished at even-par were grouped in twenty-first place, receiving $73,610 each, while those tied for thirty-first place at 1-over par took home around $46,167. Even those who found themselves further adrift from the leaders were duly compensated, with players tied for thirty-eighth at 2-over par earning $36,210 each, and those in forty-first place at 3-over claiming $27,710 each.
A score of 4-over led to a tie for forty-eighth place, with golfers earning $20,230 each. Players tied for fifty-first at 5-over par received $17,743.75 each, and those tied for fifty-ninth at 6-over earned $16,490 each. The payouts continued incrementally down to Hayden Buckley who placed seventy-second at 9-over par, awarded $14,620, and Ben Taylor, who finished seventy-seventh at 20-over par, securing $13,770.
A Symbol of Resilience
Morikawa's victory is more than just another line on his resume; it symbolizes a return to form for one of golf's most exciting talents. His ability to bounce back after a period without a win demonstrates the resilience and mental fortitude required at the highest levels of the sport. As the golfing world looks on, Morikawa's victory