2023 Zozo Championship – The glamorous world of the PGA Tour takes a giant leap from the luminous Las Vegas to the scenic Chiba, Japan, as the spotlight shifts to the much-awaited 2023 Zozo Championship. This unique event will showcase 78 top-tier golfers clashing clubs at the beautiful Narashino Country Club. With no cut for the weekend, every swing and putt counts.
After a triumphant spree of picks that saw victories from Sahith Theegala at the Fortinet Championship, Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, and most recently Tom Kim at the Shriners Children’s Open, we’re gearing up to dissect the field and share our top betting predictions for this event. If you’ve been placing bets on our recommended free golf picks, your account might be swelling by a whopping +$2,240, and we’re just getting started!
High Stakes in the Fall Season
There’s a lot more at stake than just prize money and bragging rights. Golfers are not only vying for a chance to fortify their standing for the 2024 season but also the tantalizing perks that come with a fall victory. This includes a two-year Tour exemption, a whopping 500 FedEx Cup points, entries to season-openers like the Sentry and the Players Championship, and an invitation to major championships that honor Tour winners.
Golfers in the Spotlight: Who’s Leading the Charge?
As bookies roll out the odds, we find a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for the top spot. Here’s a look at some of the frontrunners:
Xander Schauffele: +700
Collin Morikawa: +1100
Sungjae Im: +1400
Rickie Fowler: +1600
Min Woo Lee: +1600
Hideki Matsuyama: +1600
Sahith Theegala: +2000
Cam Davis: +2000
Keegan Bradley: +2200
Adam Scott: +2500
Eric Cole: +3500
Vincent Norrman: +4000
Understanding the Turf: Narashino Country Club
Setting the scene, the Narashino Country Club, with its 36-hole layout comprising of the King and Queen courses, brings unique challenges. The Zozo Championship integrates aspects of both courses, boasting five par threes and fives par fives. The course stretches out to 7,079 yards, playing at a par 70. With its tree-bordered aesthetics, narrow pathways, and somewhat petite greens, accuracy and strategy will be paramount.
Top Golfers to Watch:
1. Collin Morikawa (+1100)
Returning to familiar turf, Collin Morikawa is a formidable presence at the Zozo Championship, having participated in all its editions. His commendable seventh-place finish in 2021 speaks volumes about his prowess on this course. Currently positioned as the 20th best golfer worldwide, Morikawa has been in the limelight for the right reasons. Coming off the back of a somewhat disappointing Ryder Cup experience, the Zozo Championship might be the perfect stage for Morikawa to channel his passion, reclaim his status, and add another feather to his cap.
2. Sungjae Im (+1400)
Sungjae Im exemplifies consistency in golf, holding down 24th spot on the FedEx Cup rankings while winning gold at the Asian Games this month is proof. His third-place finish at Narashino course in 2019 shows just how comfortable he is with this layout, and with two PGA Tour victories and nine top-10 finishes the year before alone, Im is clearly one of the favorite golfers for this championship.
3. Rickie Fowler (+1600)
Rickie Fowler has endured an up-and-down golf journey. A gifted player, Fowler’s recent form has revived his standing on the circuit; evidenced by an emphatic victory at Rocket Mortgage in July followed by an admirable sixth place finish at Tour Championship – both signs that his confidence has returned and is poised to make an impressionful showing at Zozo Championship this year. A tantalizingly close second-place finish last year bodes well for Fowler, as it shows his determination and reminding him that almost winning it all last year was.
4. Eric Cole (+3500)
Eric Cole may not be at the top of every punter’s mind, but his recent performances require serious consideration. His stellar form in recent tournaments – such as his T-3 finish at Shriner’s Children’s Open and 4th place finish in Fortinet Championship – proves his upward momentum. With no finishes lower than T-35 since July and no finishes below T-35 since entering Zozo Championship underdog status may prove his most effective strategy to challenge top competitors and continue his dream run.
Top Picks and Betting Insights:
To clinch the title: Collin Morikawa, Sungjae Im, Rickie Fowler, Eric Cole
For a Top-20 Finish: Eric Cole with an attractive +115
In the ever-evolving world of golf, every tournament brings with it new challenges and surprises. The Zozo Championship promises to be an action-packed event, with the creme de la creme of the PGA Tour vying for the top spot. For enthusiasts keen on placing their bets, top Canadian betting sites offer insightful odds and predictions for such prestigious events. As the golfers tee off in Chiba, Japan, may the best swing win!
