2022 CJ Cup: Top 10 Power Rankings at Congaree

Most players in this week’s power rankings took last week off to avoid the tough travel itinerary of Japan to South Carolina. Good for Morikawa, who’s of Japanese heritage, to play in the ZOZO Championship and hoof it back to the CJ Cup. It’d be easier for his sake if we were in South Korea this week, but at least he doesn’t have to worry about making a cut.

It was a bit of a roller coaster week for Morikawa in Japan. He opened with a respectable 71, posted one of the lowest rounds of the tournament with a 64, only to fall out of contention with a Saturday 73. Closing in 70 resulted in T-45th.

It wasn’t the result many expected for him against an average-strength field, but Morikawa should still feel some confidence from his performance at the Presidents Cup.

The former Cal Golden Bear posted a 1-1 record as the better half of a pairing with Cameron Young and dominated his singles match, 3&2, against Mito Pereira.

It was a good showing for Morikawa, who was unable to replicate the success in 2022 as in 2020 when he won the PGA Championship, and in 2021 when he prevailed at The Open Championship.

The 25-year-old still posted eight top-10s in the 2021-22 PGA Tour season and won a DP World Tour event in that span. He finished fifth at two majors and qualified for the Tour Championship once again with ease.

This will be Morikawa’s debut at Congaree.