ZOZO Championship First Round Leader Tips

Xander Schauffele

As the No. 6 player in the world, on paper, Xander Schauffele is leaps ahead of this field and could very well show that out of the gates. Playing in the 2023 Ryder Cup last month, Schauffele struggled there going just 1-3-0, but the time off should have served him well since. 

He has had success playing in Japan, claiming a gold medal in the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. In this event, Schauffele has two top 10s, including a T9 last year, rounding out his scoring average of 67.7 at this course. 

Collin Morikawa 

The last time we saw Collin Moikawa at this course he finished T7, and his game lines up well with his accuracy off the tee. Having played in all four editions of this event, Morikawa has been playing well down the stretch of the 2023 season, and comes into the week ranked first in SG: Tee-to-Green and SG: Approach over the past six months.

With two majors under his belt, Morikawa is second only to Schauffele in terms of ability, and in this weak field, he very well should be in the mix early and often. 

Rickie Fowler 

This year has been somewhat of a resurgence for Rickie Fowler who comes into the week ranked No. 24 in the world and playing some great golf over the summer. Capping it off with a win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, if Fowler’s putting is going he can win any given week.