TOKYO: PGA Tour announced Tuesday that it will be taking the regular FedEx Cup season to Japan as part of its ‘Asian Swing’ starting from October 2019. As part of its contract signed with Zozo Co. Ltd, the latter will be hosting the tournament on PGA’s behalf till the 2025-2026 season in association with Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) at Tokyo’s Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.
Zozo’s net worth is said to be 270.5 billion Japanese yen ($239.7 million). As a result, ‘Zozo Championship’, as it will be called, will boast of the highest amount of prize money in Asia amounting to $9.75 million.
The tournament in Japan will precede the regular events in Korea (CJ CUP @ Nine Bridges) and China (World Golf Championship – HSBC Champions). It could replace Malaysia’s CIMB Classic on the PGA Tour map, which is currently in negotiations in terms of the sponsorship agreement.
PGA Tour International executive VP Thai Votau said: “Thanks to our partnership with ZOZO Corporation, we are pleased to be hosting the PGA Tour Regular Event for the first time in Japan.”
“Passion for Japan’s golf is widely known, but the PGA Tour star players have experienced fans cheering directly at various conventions held in Japan so far, and won the championship like Hatsuki Matsuyama. I have realized that passion with the enthusiastic support of experienced and wonderful PGA TOUR players. Today’s announcement will strengthen our existence in Asia. Following the success and holding at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 is also a good time to do the tournament in Japan.”
Zozo President and MD Yosuke Maezawa said: “Since about 10 years ago, we have been fascinated by golf as spectators and players.
“Our company, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has started a fashion brand ‘Zozo’ through which we will design, manufacture and sell from this year. Using bodypometry technology, it is the brand’s concept of delivering clothes that fit every customer.
“As our golf enthusiastically connects people around the world beyond the differences in nationality, gender, age and body shape, Zozo also crosses the difference between large and small, long and short. I would like to develop it as a brand loved by everyone in the world.
“We are extremely grateful for all the miracles that we can sponsor the PGA TOUR, the first to be held in Japan, and that we can hold in our local Chiba prefecture.”
The championship is expected to have 78 participants out of which 18 will be decided by the JGTO.
Despite having its offices in Tokyo since 2016, the PGA TOUR had had a long history with Japan which began from the World Cup of Golf held in the capital city in 1957.
