A Triumphant Return for Morikawa at the ZOZO Championship
In a display of sheer golfing prowess, Collin Morikawa clinched the 2023 ZOZO Championship, marking his first PGA Tour victory in two years. Morikawa's win not only signifies a personal comeback but also cements his status among golf's elite. The tournament, boasting an impressive $8.5 million purse, concluded with Morikawa earning a substantial winner's share of $1,530,000.
The competition, which ran from October 19 to October 22, saw some of golf's finest talents vying for the title. Notable figures such as Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler graced the greens, adding to the event's high stakes. Yet it was Morikawa who emerged victorious, finishing at 14-under par, a commanding six shots clear of his nearest competitors.
Morikawa's last triumph on the tour dates back to the 2021 Open Championship, making this win a significant milestone in his career. It underscores his ability to maintain form and compete at the highest levels, even with gaps between victories.
Prize Money Breakdown
The ZOZO Championship is unique in its format, as all participants receive prize money due to the absence of a cut in the tournament. This inclusive approach ensures that every player is compensated for their participation, fostering a spirit of competitiveness and inclusivity within the sport.
Eric Cole and Beau Hossler shared the runner-up position, each finishing the tournament with scores of 8-under par. Their efforts were rewarded with equal shares of the prize money, amounting to $748,000 each. Close behind them, Ryo Ishikawa and Robby Shelton tied for fourth place at 7-under, each pocketing $374,000 for their performances.
The tournament also saw a four-way tie for sixth place, where Kensei Hirata, Ryo Hisatsune, Min Woo Lee, and J.J. Spaun finished at 6-under each, earning themselves $275,187.50 apiece. Emiliano Grillo and Justin Suh, who tied for tenth place at 5-under, walked away with $221,000 each.
Further down the leaderboard, Cam Davis, Sungjae Im, and Satoshi Kodaira tied for twelfth place at 4-under par, securing $178,500 each. Matt NeSmith rounded out the top fifteen with a score of 3-under par, earning a payout of $151,640.
Consistency across the field was evident as Yuki Inamori, Kurt Kitayama, and Taylor Montgomery ended the tournament tied for sixteenth place at 2-under, each taking home $133,960. Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley and Sahith Theegala, who tied for nineteenth place at 1-under, earned $112,710 each.
The payout structure continued to reward players further down the standings. Those who tied for twenty-first place at even-par received $73,610 each. Players tied for thirty-first and thirty-eighth places, finishing at 1-over and 2-over respectively, took home around $46,167 and $36,210 each.
As the scores increased, the earnings tapered accordingly, with ties for forty-first, forty-eighth, fifty-first, fifty-ninth, sixty-fourth, sixty-eighth, seventy-second, seventy-third, seventy-sixth, and seventy-seventh places receiving descending payouts ranging from $27,710 to $13,770. These placements included golfers like Hayden Buckley at 9-over par, Tyson Alexander at 11-over par, and Ben Taylor, who finished at 20-over par.
Morikawa's Victory: A Symbol of Resilience
Morikawa's win at the ZOZO Championship is not just a testament to his skill but also a symbol of resilience. After a two-year hiatus from the winner's circle, his return to the top echelons of golf is a narrative that will inspire both fans and fellow players alike. The victory serves as a reminder that perseverance and dedication can lead to great achievements, no matter the obstacles.
With the conclusion of the 2023 ZOZO Championship, the golfing world has witnessed yet another chapter of excellence being written by Collin Morikawa. His performance sets the stage for the rest of the season, where he will undoubtedly continue to be a formidable force on the PGA Tour.