Morikawa Triumphs at the ZOZO Championship
Collin Morikawa has officially ended a two-year wait for a PGA Tour win by clinching the 2023 ZOZO Championship, demonstrating his undeniable talent and composure on the golf course. The young golfer, whose last victory was at the 2021 Open Championship, showcased a masterclass in golf over the four-day event, which took place from October 19 to October 22.
The tournament, known for its competitive field and substantial purse, saw Morikawa navigate the course with precision and control. His performance culminated in a 14-under par finish, securing him a six-shot lead over the nearest competitors—a margin that speaks volumes about his dominance throughout the event.
The Financial Stakes
The ZOZO Championship boasted an impressive $8.5 million purse, reflecting the high stakes and level of competition among the participating golfers. Morikawa's first-place finish earned him a handsome winner's share of $1,530,000, a significant addition to his career earnings and a testament to his skill and hard work.
Notably, the tournament's no-cut policy ensured that each participant walked away with prize money, reinforcing the event's commitment to inclusivity and rewarding all players for their participation. This approach supports competitiveness across the board, allowing every golfer the chance to earn through their efforts, regardless of their final standing.
Runner-Ups and Notable Performances
Eric Cole and Beau Hossler finished tied for second place, both carding an 8-under par. Their performances were rewarded with $748,000 each, a substantial amount reflective of their high placements. Following closely were Ryo Ishikawa and Robby Shelton, who shared fourth place at 7-under par, each taking home $374,000 for their efforts.
A group of talented players, including Kensei Hirata, Ryo Hisatsune, Min Woo Lee, and J.J. Spaun, finished tied for sixth place at 6-under par. Each received a payout of $275,187.50. Emiliano Grillo and Justin Suh, who tied for tenth place at 5-under par, were awarded $221,000 apiece.
The competition remained fierce further down the leaderboard as well. Cam Davis, Sungjae Im, and Satoshi Kodaira all finished at 4-under par, tying for twelfth place and earning $178,500 each. Matt NeSmith's fifteenth place finish at 3-under par resulted in a $151,640 payout, while Yuki Inamori, Kurt Kitayama, and Taylor Montgomery, who tied for sixteenth place at 2-under, pocketed $133,960 each.
Keegan Bradley and Sahith Theegala, who tied for nineteenth place at 1-under, each earned $112,710. The financial rewards continued to be distributed down the line, with those tied for twenty-first place at even-par receiving $73,610 each, and players tied for thirty-first at 1-over par taking home approximately $46,167.
Deep Field Competitiveness
The depth of the field was evident as the scores progressed, with players tied for thirty-eighth at 2-over par earning $36,210 each, and those in forty-first place at 3-over par collecting $27,710. A score of 4-over led to a tie for forty-eighth place, with each golfer earning $20,230.
Further demonstrating the breadth of competition, players tied for fifty-first place at 5-over par received $17,743.75 each. Those tied for fifty-ninth at 6-over par earned $16,490, while the group tied for sixty-fourth at 7-over par took home $15,725 each. Players tied for sixty-eighth place at 8-over par were awarded $15,045.
Even those who found themselves further down the leaderboard were compensated for their participation. Hayden Buckley, who placed seventy-second at 9-over par, was awarded $14,620. The seventy-third place tie at 10-over par resulted in earnings of $14,280 for each player involved, and Tyson Alexander, who placed seventy-sixth at 11-over par, earned $13,940. Ben Taylor, despite finishing seventy-seventh at 20-over par, secured $13,770.
Conclusion
The ZOZO Championship not only provided a thrilling spectacle of golf but also reinforced the sport's ethos of rewarding all participants. Collin Morikawa's return to the winner's circle