“He’s someone I admire” – Rickie Fowler lauds ‘rosckstar’ Hideki Matsuyama’s popularity in Japan

Modified Oct 19, 2023 06:35 GMT

PGA Championship - Round One — Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama (Image via Sam Greenwood/Getty Images))

Hideki Matsuyama and Rickie Fowler are all set to compete at this week's PGA Tour event, Zozo Championship. The tournament is scheduled to start on Thursday, October 19, and will run through the weekend to conclude on Sunday, October 22.

Ahead of the commencement of the tournament, the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Champion, Fowler, spoke about Hideki. The American golfer said Hideki is a 'rockstar.'

As the Zozo Championship is taking place in Japan, the home soil of Matsuyama, Rickie is excited to see 'The Show of Hideki in Japan.' Speaking about the former Masters winner, Rickie Fowler said (via the PGA Tour):

"Hideki's a rock star over here. He's someone I admire as a person, as a player. It will be exciting to see the show of Hideki in Japan."

Rickie Fowler has been pretty impressive this season. He not only got into winning track but also competed at the Ryder Cup, representing the American team at the biennial tournament. Fans are excited to see Fowler at the 2023 Zozo Championship.

Rickie Fowler pairs up with Hideki Matsuyama for the first round at the 2023 Zozo Championship

The 2023 Zozo Championship is set to start with the first round on Thursday, October 19, at 7:45 p.m. ET. Golfers will tee off on the first and 10th holes at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba, Japan.

Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama will tee off in a group with defending champion Keegan Bradley at 9:46 p.m. ET on the first tee hole.

David Lingmerth will start the game with Callum Tarren, and Yuki Inamori on the first tee hole at 7:45 p.m. ET while Satoshi Kodaira, Zac Blair and Harry Hall will tee off on the tenth hole.

Here are the pairings and tee times of the first round of the 2023 Zozo Championship (All-time ET):

1st tee