Morikawa Triumphs at the ZOZO Championship
Collin Morikawa has once again etched his name in the annals of golf history with a resounding victory at the 2023 ZOZO Championship. Demonstrating his exceptional skill, Morikawa captured the title with a commanding six-shot lead, finishing at an impressive 14-under par. This win marks a significant milestone for the young golfer, as it is his first PGA Tour triumph since his last tour win at the 2021 Open Championship.
A Lucrative Purse
The ZOZO Championship, known for its generous prize money, boasted an $8.5 million purse this year. Morikawa's share was a substantial $1,530,000, reflecting the prestige and financial rewards that come with such high-profile tournament wins. The event, which ran from October 19 to October 22, featured notable golfers like Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler, who added to the championship's competitive edge.
Runners-up and Prize Money Distribution
While Morikawa enjoyed the spoils of victory, other competitors also had reason to celebrate due to the tournament's no-cut policy, ensuring all participants received prize money. Eric Cole and Beau Hossler tied for second place, each carding 8-under par and earning $748,000 for their efforts. Ryo Ishikawa and Robby Shelton shared fourth place at 7-under, pocketing $374,000 apiece.
The consistency of performance was evident as multiple players tied for various positions throughout the leaderboard. Kensei Hirata, Ryo Hisatsune, Min Woo Lee, and J.J. Spaun were knotted up for sixth place, each taking home $275,187.50 with their 6-under par finishes. Emiliano Grillo and Justin Suh, who tied for tenth at 5-under par, earned themselves $221,000 each.
Further down the line, Cam Davis, Sungjae Im, and Satoshi Kodaira ended up in a three-way tie for twelfth place with scores of 4-under par, resulting in earnings of $178,500 each. Matt NeSmith claimed the fifteenth spot at 3-under par, securing a payout of $151,640.
In a tie for sixteenth at 2-under were Yuki Inamori, Kurt Kitayama, and Taylor Montgomery, each receiving $133,960. Keegan Bradley and Sahith Theegala, who tied for nineteenth place at 1-under, walked away with $112,710 each.
Players who finished at even-par for the tournament found themselves in a tie for twenty-first place, with each golfer earning $73,610. Those who tied for thirty-first place at 1-over par took home around $46,167, while a tie for thirty-eighth at 2-over saw golfers earning $36,210 each.
The payouts continued with those tied for forty-first at 3-over par receiving $27,710 each. A score of 4-over led to a tie for forty-eighth place, with participants earning $20,230 each. Golfers tied for fifty-first at 5-over par were awarded $17,743.75 each, and those tied for fifty-ninth at 6-over par earned $16,490 each.
As the scores increased, so did the ties, with a group tied for sixty-fourth at 7-over par taking home $15,725 each, and those tied for sixty-eighth at 8-over earning $15,045 each. 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, while Tyson Alexander, who placed seventy-sixth at 11-over par, earned $13,940. Ben Taylor, who finished seventy-seventh at 20-over par, secured $13,770.
Supporting Competitiveness and Inclusivity
The ZOZO Championship's payout structure exemplifies the sport's commitment to both competitiveness and inclusivity. By compensating all players, the tournament not only rewards the victors but also supports every golfer who tees off on the course. This approach encourages participation and ensures that professional golfers are rewarded for their dedication and effort, regardless of their final standing.
A Return to Form
Morikawa's stellar performance at the ZOZO Championship signifies more than just a return to the winner's circle; it heralds his resurgence