The PGA Tour continues this week but not in the United States, instead it’s a trip across the Pacific Ocean to Japan for the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf, Narashino Country Club, Chiba, Japan.
The smaller field than usual, 78 in total, will play all four rounds with no cut at the halfway stage.
They will all be competing for the $9.95M prize money around this par 70 parkland lay out with the winner collecting the title and $1.44M.
Tiger Woods won this event with a record breaking scorecard on this course in 2019, the last time it was played in Japan, with last years event being moved to the States due to travel restrictions.
However, Tiger is still recovering after an accident and will not be in attendance. Another notable absentee will be the 2020 champion Patrick Cantlay who won this event at Sherwood CC last year which helped him on his way to FedEx Cup success.
The weather is forecast to be not very pleasant throughout with clouds and rain predicted for the most part.
This event will be screened on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Golf with live coverage starting at 5am GMT on Thursday morning.
Xander Schauffele
For my first and main selection this week in Japan I’m liking the look of Xander Schauffele 15/2 EW Bet365.
It’s only a few months since the talented 27yr old from San Diego returned to the States from Japan with an Olympic Gold medal. Since then Schauffele has only played in five events but has finished inside the Top 20 at three of them; 18th at last weeks CJ Cup, 3rd at The Tour Championship and 16th at the Northern Trust.
Schauffele has Japanese roots with both his grandparents from Japan and this week his parents have joined him in Chiba so he will be motivated more than ever to go on and win another event in Japan.
The World No.5 can put on a show this week on his way to another victory at the Zozo Championship and 15/2 looks decent with only half the field than usual.
Collin Morikawa
For my next selection I’m going to advise Collin Morikawa, also 15/2 Bet365.
This kid, still only 24yr old from Los Angeles is simply a model of consistency and plays well above his years.
His world ranking, currently No.3, proves this point and last week at The CJ Cup he was sublime and so unlucky not to add another victory to his already impressive CV, finishing runner-up.
Already a two-time major champion at such a young age this kid will usually always give you a run for your money at any tournament.
He was also a major factor in the USA’s recent runaway Ryder Cup victory at Whistling Straits.
How many 24yr olds can say they have won The Open Championship and The USPGA Championship? He finished 22nd here last time out in 2019 but remember he was only a rookie back then and has since developed into one of the best golfers on the planet.
I just can’t think of anything else than Morikawa challenging yet again on the back nine at Sunday's final round on his way to another title, this time in Japan.
Si Woo Kim
For my next suggestion I’m going to look for some good old value and for that reason I’ll single out Si Woo Kim 40/1 EW Bet365.
The 26yr old from South Korea shouldn’t have any problems playing in the Far East and comes to Japan after his recent American Express success.
Already with three PGA titles in the bag, the most notable being The Players Championship where he became the youngest golfer to ever win the event at only 21 yrs old.
His recent performances woth noting, apart from his American Express victory, are T2nd at the Wyndham Championship, an event he has previously won and 8th at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
As mentioned above, with only 78 in the field for this week's Zozo Championship then 40/1 becomes even more attractive considering just an each way place would return a decent profit. My advice is get on while it’s still available.
Si Woo Kim v C.T. Pan
For my final selection it’s the customary matchbet and this week I’m going to select Si Woo Kim again to get the better of C.T Pan 10/11 Nap Betfair.
Zozo Championship Tips
- Xander Schauffele 15/2 EW Bet365
- Colin Morikawa 15/2 EW Bet365
- Si Woo Kim 40/1 EW Bet365
- Si Woo Kim to beat C.T Pan , 72 hole matchbet, 10/11 Nap Betfair
Thanks Caddy ?
Your welcome mate and good luck ? ⛳️?️♂️