In a blistering start to the Zozo Championship, the lone PGA Tour event held on Japanese soil, American golfer Taylor Moore stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a scintillating 7-under par 63. His stellar opening round at the picturesque Narashino Country Club gave him a slender one-stroke advantage over a quartet of pursuers.
Among those hot on Moore’s heels were Max Greyserman, Nico Echavarria, and Eric Cole, each carding impressive 64s. The international flavor of the leaderboard was enhanced by the presence of Taiwanese duo C.T. Pan and Kevin Yu, who sat just two adrift after firing matching 65s.
Eagle Propels Moore to the Summit
The highlight of Moore’s round came at the mammoth 562-yard 18th hole, his ninth of the day. Facing a daunting chip from just over 100 feet, the 29-year-old Texan demonstrated his short game prowess, holing out for a momentum-shifting eagle.
I had plenty of green to work with. I hit a nice chip and it went in.
– Taylor Moore on his eagle chip-in
The shot epitomized Moore’s confident play throughout the round, as he deftly navigated the tree-lined fairways and undulating greens of the challenging Narashino layout. His seven birdies and solitary bogey testified to a game firing on all cylinders.
Greyserman, Cole Look to End Victory Droughts
For Greyserman and Cole, both seeking maiden PGA Tour victories, their strong starts offered hope of a breakthrough. Greyserman, in particular, carried significant momentum into the event, having posted runner-up finishes in two of his last four starts before enjoying a month-long competitive hiatus.
I haven’t really played, practiced that much, to be honest. I mean, when you hit as many shots as all the guys out here have in their whole life, it doesn’t really leave you.
– Max Greyserman on his break from golf
Cole, meanwhile, aimed to banish memories of his playoff loss at the 2023 Honda Classic and finally secure the winner’s circle. The duo’s presence near the summit of the leaderboard set the stage for a potentially career-defining weekend.
Marquee Names Struggle
As Moore and company thrived, several of the tournament’s marquee attractions found the going tougher. Defending champion and world number one Collin Morikawa could only muster a 1-under 69, while local hero Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, slumped to a 1-over 71.
Matsuyama’s troubles paled in comparison to those of current PGA and British Open champion Xander Schauffele. The American star, teeing it up in the Land of the Rising Sun shortly after a transatlantic trip from Scotland, stumbled to a disastrous 3-over 73, matching the mark set by compatriot and world number five Max Homa.
I should have just taken an unplayable, but I was an idiot and tried to hit it. Then I was stubborn and then tried to hit it again, then finally took an unplayable.
– Xander Schauffele on his triple bogey at the 9th
With Schauffele and the other pre-tournament favorites struggling, the door appeared open for an unexpected name to etch itself onto the Zozo Championship trophy. As the scene shifts to Friday’s second round, all eyes will be on Taylor Moore to see if he can extend his fairy tale start and position himself for a second PGA Tour title.
