Much of the top Tour talent has been dreaming of a true off-season and the end of the wrap-around schedule means players in the top 70 don’t have to worry about falling behind in the standings if they don’t play in the fall and the top 50 have already locked up status in the signature events. They have limited motivation to play in the seven fall events but they are still eligible to do so and some of them may sign up for tournaments that they are fond of, or they might just get bored being home (too much time off?) and want to play – pro golfers are gonna golf!
The Fortinet Championship field has two-time defending champion and Fortinet ambassador Max Homa as well as his Ryder Cup teammate Justin Thomas signed up to knock off some rust after missing out on the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Rickie Fowler looks on during the final round of the 2020 Zozo Championship at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Japan. (Photo: Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP via Getty Images)
The Zozo Championship in Japan, which is a limited field, no-cut event, should draw some big names. Golfweek has learned that Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele, who both have ties to Japan, are expected to play and it would be a shocker if native son Hideki Matsuyama skipped playing there.
“We are confident a number of top performers will continue to support events that have traditionally fit into their respective schedules,” said Dennis.