[Golf Topic] 'Jojo Champ' Matsuyama "World Ranking 19th → 12th"... What About Im Seongjae?

Matsuyama Hideki is cheering as his victory is confirmed on the final day of the Zozo Championship. Japan=Getty Images/Multibits

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] ○…"World Ranking 19th → 12th."

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), the 'Zozo Championship Champ,' rose 7 spots to 5.43 points in the weekly official golf world rankings announced on the 25th (Korean time). On the final day of the 5th event of the 2021/2022 PGA Tour season, the Zozo Championship (total prize money $9.95 million), held at Accordia Golf Narashino Golf Club in Chiba Prefecture, Japan (par 70, 7,041 yards), he shot 5 under par to secure a 5-stroke victory (15 under par 265), significantly boosting his points.

Matsuyama especially avenged his runner-up finish when 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) won the inaugural championship in 2019. This is his first win of the new season and his 7th career victory, six months after becoming the first Asian player to win the prestigious Masters in April. It is interesting that the event was held in his home country, Japan. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California, USA. He expressed, "I am even happier that my first win since the Masters came in Japan."

Jon Rahm (Spain) remains in 1st place, while Collin Morikawa moved up to 2nd place, surpassing Dustin Johnson. Johnson is 3rd, Patrick Cantlay 4th, and Xander Schauffele 5th. 'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (both USA) is aiming for the 'Top 5' from 6th place. Currently, he has 6.74 points, just 0.22 points behind Schauffele (6.96 points). In Korea, Sungjae Im (23), the 'Shriners Children's Champ,' is ranked 22nd, Siwoo Kim (26) is 45th, and Kyung-hoon Lee (30, all CJ Logistics) is 59th.