Stars shine in CJ Cup, ZOZO Championship relocation

In previous years the Asian Swing was a chance for a handful of big name players to earn a few extra million dollars in the off-season.

But with COVID-19 reshuffling the entire golf season, the CJ Cup and ZOZO Championship were forced to move to the US and now the world’s top players have followed.

Justin Thomas won the CJ Cup in 2019 (Credit: PGA Tour)

CJ Cup defending champion, Justin Thomas, will be joined by FedExCup champion and World No.1, Dustin Johnson, World No.2 Jon Rahm, US Open champ Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy.

Also teeing it up at the Shadow Creek course in Las Vegas will be Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler and Ian Poulter.

“I’m looking forward to playing in The CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in October,” said McIlroy.

“I’ve watched how the tournament has become a success over the past few years and it’ll be exciting to have the opportunity to compete in it for the first time.

“I had a great time at the inaugural ZOZO Championship and will be hoping to build on last year’s success when we play at Sherwood. I’ll miss playing in Japan this year but hopefully, we’ll get to return soon.”

While Tiger Woods and and the man he defeated in the inaugural staging of the ZOZO Championship in Japan last year, Hideki Matsuyama, have previously committed to the event, the PGA Tour announced this week the addition of Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy to the field.

“It’s a really good golf course and should be a great venue for the tournament. As a proud member at Sherwood Country Club, I am thrilled the club will be hosting the ZOZO Championship,” said World No.1 Dustin Johnson.

“I have played countless rounds there and love the golf course, so I’m really looking forward to the tournament.”

Sponsor exemptions will see Phil Mickelson, Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose and Jordan Spieth also lining up at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California from October 22.

“Adding this elite group of players to these fields alongside Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas and Hideki Matsuyama lends a strong hand in showcasing a powerful lineup of PGA Tour stars at both the CJ Cup and ZOZO Championship.”

“This ensures a strong and robust schedule for the month of October that also features the Sanderson Farms Championship, Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and Bermuda Championship,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President, International, PGA Tour.