VEDRA BRIDGE BEACH, Florida. – Officials from PGA TOUR and ZOZO Inc. announced today that the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP will not be played in Japan as scheduled this October, but will instead move to the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California from October 22-25, 2020.
Due to unprecedented challenges and the unique circumstances that led to the move to the United States, officials said the tournament this year will be known as ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD.
Last October, the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP was launched as Japan’s first official PGA TOUR tournament at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba. Tiger Woods emerged victorious after a three-stroke win over Hideki Matsuyama and equalized Sam Snead’s all-time record of 82 PGA TOUR wins.
“PGA TOUR is grateful that ZOZO Inc. has partnered with us to host the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD this October,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President of PGA TOUR, International. “Considering that ZOZO Inc.’s primary business is in Japan, the decision to hold its event in the United States underscores their commitment and support to our sport, the communities we play in and the PGA TOUR. We are truly grateful for our partnership with ZOZO Inc. and the Japan Golf Tour Organization. “
Votaw added: “After last year’s successful launch, our players will no doubt be disappointed not to have traveled to Japan to play in the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP this year, but we can’t wait to return in 2021. Thanks to the ZOZO. CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD, we are thrilled to showcase another strong course and offer world-class golf to fans in the US, Japan and around the world. “
President and CEO, Kotaro Sawada, ZOZO, Inc. said, “It’s a shame we can’t have the PGA TOUR stars in Japan this year and we are sorry for the loyal Japanese fans who have been looking forward to welcoming players back in. Japan and see them return to the field. However, we are delighted to be able to host this year’s ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in the US at the acclaimed Sherwood Country Club. During this difficult time, we look forward to dedicating this year’s tournament not just for fans in Japan, but for fans around the world. We are proud to offer players the opportunity to compete and our team will continue to work closely with the PGA TOUR to organize a world class event this October. “
The ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD will now be part of a three-event swing on the west coast in October as part of the early 2020-21 PGA TOUR schedule: the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada (Oct . 8-11); THE CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK in Las Vegas, Nevada (October 15-18); and the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD to be held at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California (October 22-25).
The ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD will be attended by 78 professionals, including key players from the FedExCup 2019-20 points list, designated players from the Japan Golf Tour Organization and waivers from sponsors.
In addition to the $ 8 million grant, ZOZO, Inc. is planning various charitable activities in Japan, the proceeds of which will be donated to fund programs and measures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, among other things.
Sherwood Country Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf course and has hosted numerous PGA TOUR approved events in the past, including Greg Norman hosted Shark Shootout, Tiger Woods hosted World Challenge and a PGA TOUR Champions event. Woods also played David Duval in a show advertised as “Showdown at Sherwood” in 1999, which Woods won 2 and 1.
“Sherwood Country Club and its members are honored to host this year’s ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in SHERWOOD and are welcoming the greatest golfers as our guests for the week. We are very grateful to ZOZO Inc. for this unique privilege. Our staff throughout the club are enthusiastically preparing the club in anticipation of this extraordinary event and look forward to once again working closely with the PGA TOUR. Sherwood’s dramatic Jack Nicklaus Signature design will provide an exceptional backdrop for a memorable week of golf during an unforgettable time, ”says Rob Oosterhuis, PGA, Sherwood Country Club’s General Manager and CEO.
