The PGA Tour is heading back to Japan this week for the Zozo Championship, which will take place at Narashino Country Club. This marks the fourth time in five years that the Zozo Championship is being held at Narashino, with the only exception being 2020 when it was temporarily moved to Sherwood Country Club due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Narashino Country Club is a par-70 layout that measures 7,079 yards and features Bentgrass greens. Its unique design includes five par-3s and three par-5s, making it a distinctive challenge for players. The Zozo Championship is a no-cut event with 78 golfers, featuring a strong field of PGA Tour stars making the long trip to Japan, including Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Min Woo Lee, and Si Woo Kim.
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Key Metrics for Success at Narashino
Narashino Country Club isn’t a very long course, but it’s a positional track that rewards players who can strategically place the ball. The Bentgrass greens and unique course features demand a well-rounded game. Here are some of the key metrics to watch for:
Strokes-Gained Approach
Accurate approach shots are critical at Narashino, and past winners have excelled in this category. Kurt Kitayama, Doug Ghim, and Xander Schauffele have posted impressive strokes-gained approach numbers in recent rounds and could be in contention this week if they maintain that form.
Good-Drive Percentage
Keeping the ball in play is paramount on this tight, tree-lined course. C.T. Pan, Seamus Power, and Ryo Hisatsune rank among the best in good-drive percentage, which should give them an advantage over the rest of the field.
Strokes-Gained Putting on Bentgrass
Bentgrass greens at Narashino can be challenging, and good putters often have an edge here. Xander Schauffele and Davis Riley have been solid on Bentgrass greens in recent weeks, making them ones to watch.
Par-3 Scoring
With five par-3s on the course, efficient scoring on these holes will be crucial. Harry Hall and Nate Lashley have shown great form in par-3 scoring, and their ability to handle these holes could be a deciding factor in their success.
Players to Watch
Kurt Kitayama (+2200 at BetDSI)
Kurt Kitayama is in exceptional form and ranks first in strokes-gained approach over his last 24 rounds. His solid finishes in recent events, combined with his experience playing in Japan, make him a strong contender this week. Kitayama finished T16 at the Zozo Championship last year and should be very comfortable on this course.
Max Homa (+5500)
While there are questions about whether Narashino suits Max Homa‘s game, he’s simply too talented to overlook at this price. After struggling for much of 2024, Homa’s performance at the Presidents Cup showed glimpses of his best form. If he can carry that momentum into this week, he could be a serious threat.
Gary Woodland (+7500)
Gary Woodland has been showing signs of a resurgence this fall, with strong finishes at both the Sanderson Farms Championship and the Shriners Children’s Open. Woodland finished 5th at Narashino back in 2020, and his recent improvement with the putter could see him make another strong run.
Ryo Hisatsune (+12000)
One of Japan’s rising stars, Ryo Hisatsune, has shown consistent improvement at the Zozo Championship, finishing T6 last year. His comfort playing in Japan and solid form this fall make him an interesting longshot pick at +12000.
Conclusion
The Zozo Championship promises to be an exciting event with a mix of PGA Tour stars and talented international players. Keep an eye on the key metrics that have historically led to success at Narashino Country Club, and watch for players like Kurt Kitayama, Max Homa, and Gary Woodland who have the potential to rise to the top of the leaderboard. Don’t miss the action as the PGA Tour returns to Japan for what should be a thrilling week of golf!