The Zozo Championship is a professional golf tournament, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour, in Chiba, Japan. Despite its short history, the tournament attracts the top players in the world to compete on its challenging course.
In this post, we’ll get to know this year’s Zozo Championship title winner and explore the thrilling moments that led to the triumph.
A Brief Profile of Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa is an accomplished professional golfer who showcases his skills on the European and PGA tours. His entry into the PGA Tour was nothing short of spectacular, boasting an impressive streak of 22 consecutive made cuts, , a record that stood second only to Tiger Woods’ impressive streak of 25 cuts.
Morikawa’s golfing prowess has earned him six PGA Tour victories, an outstanding achievement that includes triumphs in two major championships: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, which he secured in his debut appearances.
Additionally, Morikawa became the first American golfer to clinch the prestigious Race to Dubai title on the European Tour.
Round-by-Round Recap of Morikawa’s Zozo Championship Performance
Let’s dive into each round, dissecting key moments and impressive shots that led to Collin Morikawa’s triumphant title win.
Round 1
Collin Morikawa kicked off the tournament with a spectacular display of golfing prowess. His total score of 64 showcased an extraordinary level of precision and consistency. What truly set Morikawa apart on this day were the six birdies he carded on Holes 6, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17.
These weren’t just strokes of luck but calculated plays demonstrating his mastery of the course’s nuances. Morikawa’s performance was a testament to his ability to seize opportunities and make critical shots when it mattered most.
Round 2
Morikawa’s resilience and determination came to the forefront as the tournament progressed. Despite facing challenges, he maintained his composure and showcased mental fortitude.
Notable birdies on Holes 6, 7, and 15 reflected his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Additionally, Morikawa’s ability to recover from setbacks, including bogeys on Holes 1, 4, 11, and 12, highlighted his unwavering focus and resolve.
Round 3
The third round witnessed Morikawa’s strategic genius taking center stage. His score of 66 showcased his skill and ability to think deliberately on the course. Morikawa’s eight birdies on Holes 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 illustrated his consistent and calculated approach to the game, despite getting bogeys on Holes 4 and 12.
Round 4
Morikawa was at his absolute best on the final day of the tournament. His score of 63 was extraordinary and showcased his unmatched closing game. Morikawa’s birdies on Holes 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, and 18 highlighted his ability to finish strong.
Collin Morikawa’s impressive performance at the Zozo Championship indeed had fans buzzing, and those who had placed their bets on him through FanDuel Sportsbook were undoubtedly celebrating his victory.
Breaking Down Collin Morikawa’s Golf Equipment at the Zozo Championship
Colling Morikawa’s gear selection at the Zozo Championship speaks volumes about his meticulous approach to the game. Each club in his bag is a carefully chosen tool, finely tuned to complement his playing style and maximize his performance on the course.
Starting with the ball, Morikawa trusts the TaylorMade TP5x. This ball, known for its exceptional feel and outstanding spin control, gives Morikawa the confidence he needs to execute precise shots, particularly in critical situations.
When it comes to driving, Morikawa wields the TaylorMade SIM with a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX shaft, set at a loft of 8 degrees. For his fairway game, he relies on the TaylorMade SIM 3-wood with a loft of 14 degrees.
Morikawa’s 5-wood of choice is the TaylorMade Stealth 2, which boasts a loft of 18 degrees. This selection complements his fairway woods setup, giving him various options for different distances and situations on the course.
Moving on to his irons, Morikawa opts for a TaylorMade P770 4-iron, which offers a combination of forgiveness and workability. He also relies on the TaylorMade P7MC 5-6 irons. Finally, his 7-PW irons are the TaylorMade P730.
Moreover, Morikawa trusts the TaylorMade MG4 wedges with 50, 56, and 60 degrees lofts. These wedges offer him the versatility and spin control required to navigate various lies and execute precise shots around the green.
Lastly, Morikawa’s choice of putter is the TaylorMade TP Soto. This putter gives him the feel and control needed to navigate the greens confidently, ensuring he can capitalize on scoring opportunities and save crucial strokes.
What Does This Win Mean to Morikawa?
Collin Morikawa’s triumph at the Zozo Championship marked a significant turning point in his career, accentuated by a mix of wins and losses over the past two years. As a two-time major champion, the standard for success was set high, making the preceding seasons, by his measure, a touch disappointing.
Before his win, Morikawa grappled with a series of near misses, including four runner-up finishes and a heart-wrenching loss in a playoff to Rickie Fowler. The absence of a victory for such an extended period weighed heavily on a player accustomed to seeing his name atop the leaderboard.
For Morikawa, the Zozo Championship victory was more than a return to the winner’s circle. It was a reaffirmation of his ability to close out tournaments, a reminder that, in his eyes, winning is paramount.
Conclusion
Collin Morikawa has been one of the most-watched and talked-about golfers in recent years. With newfound confidence and a comprehensive skill set, he is ready to elevate his professional golf standing further.
