Collin Morikawa and Xander Sc chaudele headline Zozo Championship as PGA Tour returns to Japan | Golf news

Two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, Olympic gold medalist Xander Sc Chaudele and Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama all feature at Narashino Country Club – watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports

Olympic champion Xander ScHotele is aiming for more success in Japan as he seeks a “special” PGA Tour victory at the Zozo Championship.

The world number 5, whose grandparents live in Japan, returns to the country for the first time since scoring a one-stroke victory and winning gold for the U.S. team at the Tokyo Olympics in August .

ScHotele was part of Team USA’s record-breaking Ryder Cup success at Whistling Straits last month, but has not had an official PGA Tour title since the 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions, with the American aiming to end a busy year 2021 at Narashino Country Club.

ScHotele clinched a one-stroke victory over Rory Sabbatini at the Tokyo Olympics

“It was a quick turnaround, a lot of international travel to finish our regular season on the PGA Tour,” said ScHotele. “The Ryder Cup was held shortly after East Lake so I had a bit of downtime, but I haven’t given myself too much time yet. I wanted to play well last week and this week.

“I’m very excited. I was disappointed that I didn’t come to Japan last year for Zozo, so I was happy to be back for the Olympics. So of course winning the gold was really. special for my family and I. Japan has been really cool.

“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 huge honor. for my family if I was able to do it and I will do my best this week. “

The tournament has been moved to California in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, but is back to its original location this year, with the $ 9.95 million event also featuring the Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and two-time major winner Collin Morikawa.

Morikawa can move up to world number 2 this week

“They are some of the best fans,” Morikawa said of the Japanese support. “Obviously, I was here earlier for the Olympics and we had nobody, and it was just boring. Even though it was the Olympics and we knew what we were playing for, it’s a different feeling. when you have fans.

“I remember my first tee shot here two years ago, when there were fans on stools and five, six people lined up.

“Sometimes it’s not the best in our head, but it’s nice because they really understand the game, they appreciate that we come and we appreciate them. They bring so much energy.”

Watch the Zozo Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins Thursday at 5 a.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.