A Triumphant Return for Morikawa at the ZOZO Championship
Collin Morikawa, with a masterful performance, claimed victory at the 2023 ZOZO Championship, marking a significant milestone as his first PGA Tour win in two years. The young golfer, who last hoisted a tour trophy at the 2021 Open Championship, demonstrated his exceptional skill set and mental fortitude throughout the event, which spanned from October 19 to October 22.
The tournament, known for its competitive field, featured prominent figures such as Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler. However, it was Morikawa who stood out, finishing at an impressive 14-under par. His dominance was undisputed, as he secured a six-shot lead over his nearest competitors, cementing his status as one of the top talents in the game.
Prize Money Breakdown
The ZOZO Championship boasted an $8.5 million purse, with Morikawa earning a winner's share of $1,530,000. In a unique twist characteristic of the tournament, all participants received prize money due to the absence of a cut, ensuring each golfer was compensated for their efforts.
Tying for second place were Eric Cole and Beau Hossler, both finishing the tournament with commendable 8-under pars. Their performances earned them a hefty $748,000 each. Not far behind, Ryo Ishikawa and Robby Shelton shared fourth place, each taking home $374,000 with scores of 7-under par.
The battle for sixth place resulted in a four-way tie between Kensei Hirata, Ryo Hisatsune, Min Woo Lee, and J.J. Spaun, all concluding the event at 6-under par. They each received checks amounting to $275,187.50, further highlighting the lucrative nature of the championship.
Emiliano Grillo and Justin Suh, who tied for tenth place at 5-under, each earned a respectable $221,000, while Cam Davis, Sungjae Im, and Satoshi Kodaira, all tied for twelfth place at 4-under, pocketed $178,500 each.
Continuing down the leaderboard, Matt NeSmith finished fifteenth at 3-under par, earning $151,640. A three-way tie for sixteenth place saw Yuki Inamori, Kurt Kitayama, and Taylor Montgomery each walk away with $133,960 for their 2-under par finishes.
Keegan Bradley and Sahith Theegala, who tied for nineteenth place at 1-under, were rewarded with $112,710 each. Players who managed an even-par score and tied for twenty-first place received $73,610 each.
As scores rose above par, the payouts naturally tapered, with those tied for thirty-first place at 1-over par taking home around $46,167, and ties for thirty-eighth place at 2-over par earning $36,210 each. The forty-first place tie at 3-over saw players earn $27,710 each, and a 4-over score led to a tie for forty-eighth place, with golfers earning $20,230 each.
The fifty-first place tie at 5-over par resulted in earnings of $17,743.75 each, while players tied for fifty-ninth place scored 6-over par and earned $16,490 each. Those who found themselves tied for sixty-fourth place at 7-over par took home $15,725 each, and a score of 8-over par meant a tie for sixty-eighth place and earnings of $15,045 each.
Hayden Buckley placed seventy-second at 9-over par, receiving $14,620, while the seventy-third place tie at 10-over par earned each player involved $14,280. Tyson Alexander, who placed seventy-sixth at 11-over par, earned $13,940, and Ben Taylor, finishing seventy-seventh at 20-over par, secured $13,770.
Impact on the Sport
The payout structure of the ZOZO Championship is a testament to the inclusivity and competitiveness that the sport strives to uphold. By ensuring that every participant is compensated, the tournament supports players at various stages of their careers, contributing to the overall growth and health of professional golf.
Morikawa's victory not only signifies a personal triumph but also marks a return to top-level golf for the athlete. His ability to navigate the course and maintain a lead against a field of seasoned professionals speaks volumes about his caliber and potential for future successes.
As the golf community