By Joey Seabright
The PGA Tour season makes its way over to Japan for the ZOZO Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. This championship will have a 78 player field with four rounds and no cut. The golf course is a par 70 and listed at 7,079 yards, with the defending champion Hideki Matsuyama back to defend his title.
Player to Fade: Cameron Champ- Since Champ got on tour, he’s made quite the name for himself with how far he hits it, but he’s really been struggling over the last year. He has missed his last two cuts to end the year, and I believe putting will be a key factor this week, where Cameron ranks at the bottom of the field. This is a no cut event, but I expect to see him near the bottom this week.
Dark Horse: Sebastian Munoz- Sebastian is coming off making his last two cuts, and is a solid player all the way around. He has shown the ability to make birdies in bunches, and if he does that this week, he will be able to contend. He finished in the top 5 here last year, and has shown he can play well here.
Top 10: Corey Conners- When Corey Conners is on top of his game, he can compete with anybody in the world, and I believe he will show that this week. He is coming off a missed cut, but with this being a no cut event, the pressure is off to make the cut. Corey is one of the best ball strikers on tour and I believe that will carry him to a top 10 this week. And if his putter gets hot, then there is no doubt he can be at the top of the leaderboard.
Winner: Xander Schauffele- Since Xander bursted onto the tour, he has been one of the best players in the world. He’s the 6th ranked player in the world right now, and is coming off of multiple top 5 finishes. Also, he has been fantastic in no cut events on the PGA Tour, as he has multiple wins in his career in them. Xander is a good ball striker, and when he rolls the putter the way he is capable of, he is always at the top of the leaderboard. I look for him to come out on top!