Hideki Matsuyama makes slow start to ZOZO Championship defence, seven behind Brendan Steele

Hideki Matsuyama made a slow start to the defence of his ZOZO Championship crown, as Brendan Steele charged to the top of the leaderboard. Arguably one of the biggest sporting stars in Japan, Matsuyama had major support on a wet day at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. Ad But he was unable to feed off the support as he carded an opening round of 71 to sit at one-over.

Zozo ChampionshipZOZO Championship betting tips as Schauffele, Matsuyama, Kim top the marketYESTERDAY AT 09:16 Things started well for the 2021 Masters champion as he birdied the third after an excellent tee shot and confident putt. But the opening round on Thursday mirrored his 2022 campaign, as he failed to find any consistency. He gave the birdie back one hole later and further birdies and bogeys followed on the back nine to leave him seven shots adrift of the leader.

Matsuyama sits alongside big names Sungjae Im and Collin Morikawa, and they have work to do over the next three days. ZOZO Championship betting tips as Schauffele, Matsuyama, Kim top the market 'I am still here to play' — Smith driven to win on biggest stage despite LIV move First Round Leaderboard 1. Brendan Steele, six-under 2.

Adam Schenk, five-under T3. Sam Ryder, four-under T3. Matthew NeSmith, four-under T3.

Keegan Bradley, four-under T6. Rickie Fowler, three-under T6. Xander Schauffele, three-under T6.

Kazuki Higa, three-under T6. Maverick McNealy, three-under T6, Mito Pereira, three-under Steele was the hot man on the course on day one, as he recorded the same score Matsuyama posted in the opening round when going on to win 12 months ago. The front nine was uneventful for Steele, with one birdie on his card.