TOKYO (AFP) – Former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will join 15-time major-winner Tiger Woods at Japan’s first PGA Tour tournament later this year, organisers announced Wednesday.
Woods had already confirmed his participation, but McIlroy’s addition considerably brightens the star power at the $9.75 million Zozo Championship in October.
“It is wonderful we have the opportunity to compete in Japan this year and I’m truly excited to be heading to the tournament,” the 30-year-old Northern Ireland star said in a press release.
McIlroy’s commitment is “a fantastic addition,” organizers of the Zozo Championship said.
“I know golf fans in Japan are very supportive and knowledgeable of the game and it’ll be really cool and fun for the PGA Tour players to perform in front of them for the first time,” McIlroy said.
“In my career, I’ve won all around the world and it’ll be an achievement if I can register my first title in Japan.”
McIlroy, the world number three, is currently ranked second on the FedExCup points list. The four-time major-winner was world number one for 95 weeks between 2012 to 2015.
A total of 78 players, including the leading 60 players from the FedExCup points list, will compete at the Zozo Championship in Chiba, near Tokyo, from October 24-27.
