Global stars wary of Japanese challenge ahead of Zozo Championship

Colin Morikawa believes he and the other PGA Tour counterparts will have to overcome the strong local challenge if they are to walk away with the ZOZO Championship title from the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba this week.

The US$11 million tournament returns for its fourth edition, and third time in Japan, with 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama seeking to cheer the home crowd with his successful title defence.

The world number nine Morikawa is the second-highest ranked player in the 78-man field after fellow American Xander Schauffele, the world number six and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist, but swiftly pointed out that their global reputation count for nothing considering that golf is a very competitive sport.

Morikawa acknowledged that Japanese golfers, who come through the established JGTO system which produced Matsuyama, are growing stronger each year and capable of contending for honours on the international stage.

Except for Matsuyama and Satoshi Kodaira, who are PGA Tour regulars, the 15-strong local contingent led by current JGTO Money Ranking leader also features emerging stars such as Yuto Katsuragawa, Kaito Onishi and Keita Nakajima, whom Morikawa believes are determined to showcase their talents against the world's best on home soil.

"I think you look at Japanese golf, it's getting very, very strong. I've gotten to know a little bit about Keita Nakajima and I think he was holding the record for world number one amateur for the longest period," said Morikawa, who's a two-time Major winner.

"That just, shows that golf is becoming a great sport out here and obviously a lot of people love it, but not just only loving it, they're excelling in it.

"I think that has a lot to do with what Hideki has done, past Japanese players and just inspiring a new generation of golfers.

"You look at their games, they're just as good as anyone else and they've shown it. Keita has shown that he's been able to play out here on the PGA Tour, he's had a couple of decent finishes, I believe."

"It's just about opportunities and I think when you're able to give an opportunity to 15 players that are from Japan, it makes that week just a little more special and hopefully they can embrace everything and find a way to play well."

Five-time PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler echoed Morikawa's sentiment, admitting that he's expecting stiff competition from the home opponents in their backyard.

"They're obviously the best players from over here. I think it's a cool opportunity for them to play in a PGA Tour event, especially over here in Japan," said Fowler.

"I expect them to play well. All the guys here playing this week, as I said, are all great players. I remember last year there were plenty of Japanese players that had a solid week here.

"I guess we can claim Hideki as a PGA Tour player, so it was kind of best of both worlds with him winning here last year."

Matsuyama is ready to spearhead his country's challenge again by declaring his intention to make it a back-to-back win.

With the passionate crowd thronging the course just to watch him practise, Matsuyama knows exactly the responsibility he will be shouldering.

"It's great to be the back as the defending champion. I've been impressed the last couple of days. Practice days, but still lots of members of the gallery have come out and cheered us on," he said.

"I know there's going to be even more come Thursday and through the weekend. Hopefully, I can play my best and give everyone something to root for.

"The energy that the fans provide helps out, it helps my game, but on the other hand, there's the pressure that goes along with it."

Matsuyama is confident that his other compatriots, too, are capable of rising to the occasion, and he doesn't want to lose to them!

"There's a lot of great young players now coming up through the ranks on the JGTO. I'm going to have to play my best to beat them," he added.

If there's one rising star who's capable of springing a surprise, Onishi could probably be the one as he's not afraid to dream big.

The 23-year-old will be determined to strut his stuff further, this time against international competitors, after having captured his breakthrough victory at the Fujisankei Classic and finished runner-up twice this season.

"I'm happy to participate in this tournament and make my debut on the PGA Tour," he said.

"My goal is to win. The mentality will be a crucial thing. As the field is full of great players, I need to focus on every single shot.

"My condition has been good. I had enough rest before coming into this week, so I think I'm ready for this week. I believe I'm in pretty good shape."

Schauffele, meanwhile, was delighted to return to the Land of Rising Sun, where he enjoys good support from his extended family members.

Although he's an American, Schauffele is known for his Japanese heritage as he spent part of his childhood here. His grandparents still reside in Japan.

"It's always a pleasure to come to Japan. Lots of family and people supporting me, so no better place for me to be than here right now," he said.

"It's nice to see all my grandparents, my uncles, aunts and my cousins."

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