September 14, 2021
Press Release
PGA TOUR’S “ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP”, to be held in Japan for the first time in two years
～ Bringing back the power of sports and smiles all over the world through the world’s best golf ～
ZOZO Inc. (headquartered in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Representative Director, President & CEO: Kotaro Sawada), which operates the online fashion retail website ZOZOTOWN, and is also the title sponsor of the PGA TOUR TOURNAMENT “ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP” will be holding its tournament on October 21st (Thu) ~ 24th (Sun) at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. Last year, due to the spread of COVID-19 in Japan, the tournament venue was changed to the state of California, USA, without spectators. Therefore, this will be the first time in two years for the tournament to be held in Japan, since the first tournament in 2019.
This summer, people in Japan and all over the world were amazed by the fierce competition among athletes which took place in Tokyo. We were all reminded how sports can encourage us, and how it can inspire us to overcome difficulties.
In order to bring the excitement of great golf played by the world's top players to as many fans as possible, we are currently discussing the details with the Japanese government regarding the entry of the players and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The details of spectators and ticket sales are yet to be determined, however we will continue to carefully consider these matters, and will make an announcement when they are determined.
*Please note that we may change our policy on whether or not to hold the tournament, including whether or not to allow spectators, depending on the opinions of the government and municipalities, as well as status of the COVID-19.
Our thought upon hosting the tournament
As the title sponsor, we believe that it is our important mission to deliver excitement and hope to the world by hosting the world's premier PGA TOUR tournament.
Considering the current status of the COVID-19, the details of spectators are yet to be determined. However, as long as there are golf fans who are looking forward to the "ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP", we hope to bring the excitement of great golf played by the world's top players, and to spread the power of sports.
We aspire to hold the "ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP" this year with all possible safety measures in place, aiming to upgrade the value of the tournament and create new touchpoints between ZOZO and golf fans all over the world.
As the long-established and prestigious PGA TOUR's "ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP", we will continue to spread the power of the sport of golf, which is loved beyond generations, genders and nationalities, as well as working towards realizing our corporate philosophy, “Inspire the world. Deliver joy every day.”.
Comment by Mr. Ty Votaw, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President, International
Mr. Ty Votaw, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President, International, made the following comment about the tournament.
“After moving the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP to the U.S. last year, we are excited to return to Japan this October. This decision is timely as it coincides perfectly with the game’s continued growth and increased participation in Japan following Hideki Matsuyama’s historic triumph at the Masters Tournament in April,” said PGA TOUR Executive Vice President, International, Ty Votaw. “We sincerely thank ZOZO for its terrific partnership with the PGA TOUR and for its strong commitment and dedication to stage the event again in Japan. The TOUR would also like to acknowledge the Japanese government for its guidance in enabling the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP to be held in Japan.”
This year's tournament background
This year's "ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP'' will have a total of 78 players, including the top players from the FedEx Cup point list 2020-2021, the top seven players on the prize money ranking of the JGTO, the top players from the Bridgestone Open, and the sponsor-exempt players. Moreover, the feed of the tournament will be broadcast in 216 countries and regions around the world. In Japan, TV Asahi will broadcast the event live on their terrestrial, BS and CS channels throughout the four-day tournament. GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR will provide coverage worldwide on its digital platform by broadcasting live for an extended period of time. The total prize amount will be $9.95 M (approx. JPY 1.1B*) *110 yen by the dollar, and 500 FedEx Cup points will also be awarded to the winner. A portion of the proceeds earned through the tournament is planned to be donated to charity.
Sales of ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP Official items
"ZOZOGOLF", a zone specializing in golf items on "ZOZOTOWN" will be offering items such as; well-known popular golf brands, and brands that have launched for the first time in Japan, ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP official items, items created in collaboration with brands that have opened stores on ZOZOTOWN and overseas golf brands that are attracting attention worldwide, and more. We will continue to elevate the golf scene through the power of fashion.
About ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP
Tournament Name
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP
Tournament Venue
Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club
Date
October 21st (Thu) ~ 24th (Sun)
Format
72-hole stroke play with no qualifying cuts
Total Prize Money
Total : $9.95M (approx. JPY 1.1B*) *110 yen by the dollar / 500 FedEx Cup points (Winner)
Host Organizers
ZOZO Inc., PGA TOUR
Co-Organizer
Japan Golf Tour Organization（JGTO）
Joint Supervisors
PGA TOUR
Tournament Official HP
https://zozochampionship.com/en/
Tournament Official SNS
https://instagram.com/zozochamp
https://facebook.com/ZOZOCHAMPIONSHIP
YouTube
https://youtube.com/channel/UCMGq1bJxbBxiPLnmQh3CMYQ
* We will keep you posted on the details of the tournament on our official website and SNS.
About PGA TOUR
Organization
PGA TOUR
Representative
Commissioner, Jay Monahan
Address
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA
By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide. The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, Forme Tour and PGA TOUR Series-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 29 countries and territories outside the United States (96 international members). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to 216 countries and territories in 28 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $3.2 billion.
Release_En_ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP2021_20210914
ZOZO Inc.
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