Golf: Zozo Championship
Venue: Accordia Golf Narashino, Japan
Dates: Thursday 24th – Sunday 28th October 2019
Tournament Preview
The inaugural Zozo Championship gets underway in Japan as the PGA tour looks to broaden its appeal in the Asian market once more. The competition is played at the Accordia Gold Narashino Country Club in Japan and hosts a prestigious field of 78 players. The top 60 players in the FedEx Cup standings are all scheduled to take part along with many Japanese golfers that are looking to establish themselves outside of the Asian Tour. With the likes of Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas in the field, the prestige of the event almost speaks for itself and with over $9 million on the line too, there is plenty to play for in Japan this week.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
Some of the biggest names on the PGA Tour feature here in Japan and they will be keen to get their hands on some silverware:-
Following his win at the CJ Cup last time out, Justin Thomas looks to be in the form of his life and goes into this week as the heavy favourite to clinch another trophy.
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy has lacked consistency once again in 2019 but with 17 PGA Tour career wins to his name, his reputation speaks for itself.
Home favourite Hideki Matsuyama is one of the most famous sportsmen in Japan and he will be looking to benefit from passionate home support here and go deep this week.
2019 US Open Champion Gary Woodland has enjoyed the best season of his career and he will be eager to put another trophy in the cabinet here after a good showing in Korea last weekend.
Tommy Fleetwood hasn’t enjoyed his best year on either the European or PGA Tour but has established himself amongst the games’ elite and he should challenge the big boys here.
1st Round Leader
Producing the goods over 72 holes is often the most difficult thing for any golfer to do therefore here are our first round leader picks:-
Four time major winner Jordan Spieth has slipped down the PGA rankings in 2019 but he is very capable at this level and looked in good nick in Korea last week – finishing tied for 8th.
Few men have enjoyed the level of results Tony Finau has this season and the American arrives in Japan as one of the men to watch on the PGA Tour.
Having climbed to number 23 in the world, Kevin Na is a man going places. With a win at the Shriners Championship last time out and despite struggling in Korea he could go well in Japan.
Top Ten Finish
With so many quality players assembled here in Japan, getting into the winning enclosure could be tough but there are plenty of candidates to finish in the top 10 come Sunday:-
Australian Adam Scott has been a model of consistency once again this season on the PGA Tour and he will be relishing the opportunity to play some good golf in Japan.
Following a sustained break, Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour and with the Masters already in the bag in 2019, he could feature in the latter stages in Japan this week.
New Zealander Danny Lee enjoyed a superb week in Jeju last time out – finishing second and he looks to be finding his feet on the PGA Tour and fulfilling his promise at this level.
BetXChange Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Hideki Matsuyama – 18.00
1st Round Leader: Jordan Spieth – 40.00
Top Ten Finish: Adam Scott – 2.75
