Collin Morikawa, the talented golfer on the PGA Tour, acknowledged the special meaning of winning the Zozo Championship in Japan, as it is the country where his father’s side of the family grew up. Despite not thinking too far ahead, Morikawa expressed his desire to give himself the best opportunity to win the tournament.
Morikawa got off to a strong start in the first round, shooting a bogey-free 6-under 64. He started with three birdies in his first four holes and maintained his momentum throughout the round. His solid performance gave him a one-stroke lead over five other golfers.
Although Morikawa has achieved significant success at a young age, winning five times on the PGA Tour, including two majors, he has not won since the 2021 British Open. He is determined to return to the winner’s circle after coming close in previous tournaments. Morikawa has recorded 14 top-10 finishes in the last two seasons, tying with Tommy Fleetwood for the most without a win. This tournament marks his return to competition after a few weeks off and his first appearance since the Ryder Cup.
In addition to Morikawa’s impressive performance, there were several other notable players in the first round of the Zozo Championship. Mikumu Horikawa, ranked 267th in the world, posted a 5-under 65 and expressed his desire to become more well-known. Eric Cole, known for his birdie-scoring abilities, added another six birdies to his record-breaking season total and finished with a 5-under 65. The 35-year-old rookie has climbed to No. 53 in the world rankings and is aiming to secure the prestigious invitation to the Masters. Five golfers, including Emiliano Grillo and Robby Shelton, shot a 5-under 65 and are off to a strong start in the tournament.
On the other hand, fan favorites Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott, and Rickie Fowler struggled in the first round. Matsuyama, making his first start since a back injury, finished with a 1-under 71, while Scott ended with an even-par 70. Fowler, the runner-up in last year’s tournament, carded a 1-over 71 after a slow start.
Overall, the first round of the Zozo Championship showcased impressive performances from various players, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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