Golf tournaments excite fans worldwide, but the ZOZO Championship has its own iconic place in the golf world. Coming back in 2024, this tournament is the top PGA Tour event in Asia. It brings together the best players on the challenging course of Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, which is the pinnacle of competitive golf. Like always, this year's tournament will have new surprises, amazing shots, and unexpected moments. The ZOZO Championship 2024 is going to be the biggest event worldwide, with a contest that's bound to be even tougher!

History of ZOZO Championship

The ZOZO Golf Championship has a unique and significant history, especially in Japanese golf. This tournament started in 2019, making history as the PGA Tour's first official event in Japan. It gets its name "ZOZO" from a big Japanese online shopping company that sponsors the event. 

From the start, the tournament won over golf enthusiasts around the world when the famous Tiger Woods became the first ZOZO golf champion, grabbing his 82nd PGA Tour title. This win was a big deal, as it put Woods on par with Sam Snead's long-held record. Woods' landmark victory at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club is now part of golf lore as one of the sport's unforgettable achievements. The Narashino course has a special double-green system and beautiful scenery, offering a perfect blend of old Japanese golf architecture and new elements. This event hasn't just put Asian golf in the spotlight but is now a big deal on the world golf schedule.

Also Check: The History And Origin of Golf.

What Are The Rules Of The PGA ZOZO Championship?

The PGA ZOZO event has shared guidelines and rules to ensure a fair and thrilling competition. It follows a stroke play format where each golfer tries to finish 72 holes using the least number of strokes. Once the first two rounds wrap up, the top 65 players and those tied for 65th place move on to the next rounds. Golfers must stick to their given tee times, and showing up late could result in penalties. Players need to use clubs that meet USGA standards to make sure everyone competes. 

Each course has its own local rules that might include areas marked for repair or special hazard regulations. It is mandatory for every player to know these rules. If the tournament ends in a tie, there's a playoff. This can happen on the 18th hole or new holes. It depends on what the tournament heads decide. It's essential to keep good sportsmanship in golf; players need to stay quiet when others take their shots and show respect for the course. Breaking the rules can lead to penalty strokes added to the player's final score. These rules aim to create an exciting, fair, and memorable tournament, giving players a chance to show off their best game.

Also Check: Rules Of Wolf Golf | How To Play Wolf Golf.

How Many Rounds Are In The ZOZO Championship?

The 2024 ZOZO Championship will happen from October 24 to 27, 2024, in Chiba, Japan. This big tournament will bring together top golfers from around the world to play for four days. Here is the breakdown of the ZOZO Golf Championship 2024 schedule:

24 October 2024 (Thursday): The tournament kicks off with the first round in the morning. All golfers will play 18 holes. They need to start strong on this key day. 

25 October 2024 (Friday): The second round goes on, with players fighting to make the cut. Only the best performers will move on to the weekend rounds, so expect tough competition. 

26 October 2024 (Saturday): The third round often called "moving day," sees players trying to take top position on the leaderboard. The contest will get more intense as golfers gain momentum for the final round. 

27 October 2024 (Sunday): The final round will decide the tournament champion. Players will play against tough holes, including the main par-3 16th hole. Water surrounds this hole, making it challenging for the winner.

Source: ZOZO Championship

What is the Venue of the Golf ZOZO Championship?

The ZOZO Championship happens at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba Japan. This course blends traditional Japanese design with modern golf architecture, making it popular on the PGA Tour. It features 18 challenging holes that put both skill and strategy to the test, with a par of 72. The double green system stands out, providing two separate greens for each hole. The 16th hole, a par-3 surrounded by water, is the main attraction of the tournament. Players must play carefully here, as any error can send the ball into the water. This hole often creates some of the most thrilling moments in the tournament.

Pine trees surround the course, creating a serene, picturesque environment. The evergreen trees and water hazards enhance the scenery, requiring golfers to execute shots precisely. The twisting fairways and curved holes test players to their limits, demanding both patience and accuracy from this course. Competing in the ZOZO tournament at Narashino involves more than just golfing skills. It also depends on how well you plan your swings and maintain consistency.

Get to Know: PGA Tour Champions Schedule 2024

Players to watch in the 2024 ZOZO Golf Championship.

The 2024 ZOZO tournament promises to showcase some top-notch players who will make the event thrilling! Leading the game is Collin Morikawa, famous for his accuracy and composure on the green. Next up is Hideki Matsuyama, Japan's golf superstar, who won the ZOZO tournament in 2021 and aims to grab another win with his fellow countrymen on his home course. Another player worth watching is Sahith Theegala, who has won over fans with his bold approach and steady results. Xander Schauffele is known to be a star of key tournaments; he is also likely to be a top challenger here. Rickie Fowler has found his groove again making him a real threat in the competition.

Check Out: List of Players with Most PGA Tour Wins.

Prize Money Breakdown Of ZOZO Golf Tournament

This year, the ZOZO Championship has a total prize pool of $8.5 million, making it a remarkable event. The winner will get the biggest chunk at about $1.53 million. The runner-up can expect around $900,000. Players finishing in the top 10 can earn between $300,000 and $1 million, depending on their final position. The champion also gets some extra benefits. These include two-year exemptions to play in PGA Tour events for the next two years. They also receive 500 FedExCup points, which gives their season ranking a significant boost. On top of that, the winner secures spots in major tournaments like THE PLAYERS, The Sentry, and other big events that invite TOUR winners.

Source: PGA Tour ZOZO Championship Prize Money

ZOZO Championship 2024 Live Stream

You can watch the entire event on Peacock and Golf Channel. Here's what you need to know about the live-streaming options:

• Thursday to Saturday: 9 PM to 1 AM (BST)
• Sunday: 8 PM to midnight (BST)

Now TV: Those who don't have a Sky subscription can access Sky Sports through Now TV. They offer two types of passes which give you access to various sports events:

• A day pass (costs about £9.99)
• A monthly pass (costs around £33)

FuboTV: FuboTV will air the event live in the United States. You can watch more than 100 channels with its free trial.

Golf Channel: Canadians can view the tournament on the Golf Channel. FuboTV also includes this channel, so you won't miss any of the action.

Before trying to stream the event, make sure you create an account on the platform you choose. Also, check that your device (smart TV, tablet, or smartphone) works with the streaming service you are using.

Source: Golf Monthly Magazine