Watson, Casey, Garcia and join star-studded cast, local hero Ryo Ishikawa accepts exemption to Japan’s first PGA TOUR event in October.
Chiba, Japan, August 27: Four of the PGA TOUR’s leading golf stars – Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and Louis– have committed to the inaugural ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, Chiba from Oct. 24-27, 2019.

With a combined 26 PGA TOUR victories including four major titles, the quartet will join 81-time PGA TOUR winner Tiger Woods, newly crowned FedExCup champion Rory, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama in Japan’s first official PGA TOUR tournament which is part of the early 2019-20 PGA TOUR Schedule.

Local favourite Ryo Ishikawa, who has won twice this season on the Japan Golf Tour, was also added into the stellar field after accepting a sponsor’s exemption.

ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament Director Travis Steiner said: “The field for the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP keeps getting stronger and we look forward to welcoming five great champions in Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Louis and Ryo Ishikawa. Their participation will add to a spectacular week of world-class golf for Japanese sports fans to savor and experience.”

Watson, 40, holds 12 PGA TOUR titles including two Masters Tournament victories in 2012 and 2014. With a win in China previously, the American star is hoping to add another title on foreign soil to his impressive resume.

He said: “It’s always fun when players have the opportunity to visit new places and play in new tournaments. I’m really looking forward to the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP this October. I’ve always loved playing in Japan and I hope I can add the ZOZO Championship trophy to my collection. What an honor it would be to become the inaugural ZOZO Champion.”

Globe-trotter Garcia, who is one of Spain’s top golf stars, has multiple wins across Asia in countries such as Korea, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Qatar and Dubai. The 10-time PGA TOUR champion is excited at the opportunity to compete in the Land of the Rising Sun.
As it is part of the fall schedule, it’s also important to play well to garner early FedExCup points,” said Garcia.

Casey successfully defended his title at the Valspar Championship earlier this year for his third career PGA TOUR triumph. He is hoping to add Japan to his list of accolades following previous wins in China and Korea.