Tom Kim and Jason Day lead the October Asian Swing

Tom Kim enters the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club as the highest-ranked Asian player in the world at No. 15. He recently secured his second PGA Tour win at the Shriners Children’s Open, making him the first player since Tiger Woods to win twice on the PGA Tour before the age of 21. Kim must manage a course with small greens and challenging holes where he lacks long distance strength compared to players like Rory McIlroy or Dustin Johnson. He plans to pick wide spots in the fairways to compensate for his lack of power. A forecast of constant rain and chilly temperatures will make the course play long on Thursday and Friday.

Kim’s strategy relies on accuracy because he aims to hit fairways instead of hitting the ball hard. He moves to Japan for his first appearance in the country after his recent win. His move into the top 20 follows him jumping ahead of Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im in the rankings.

Jason Day targets a strong start

Jason Day seeks to build momentum after finishing tied for second at the Farmers Insurance Open. He finished that event with a 64 on Sunday in the desert. Day ranked 58th in putting previously but finished the desert event leading the field in both strokes gained metrics. He aims to replicate his performance at Torrey Pines where he won twice.

Day relies on his short game and putting to succeed at multi-course events. He hit the greens well during his recent desert appearance despite the incomparable nature of green surfaces compared to Torrey Pines. His proximity from 125 to 150 yards remains a strength.

FedEx Cup points and international shifts

The PGA Tour enters a period where players outside the top 70 face pressure to earn full status for the following January. Players outside the top 70 have six tournaments to secure their standing. This season marks the final time for a wraparound season with nine tournaments starting September 15. The tour also implements strict rules regarding the postseason, where only the top 70 players qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs.

The tour faces logistical issues regarding the three events scheduled in Asia for October. Travel restrictions and quarantine risks make playing the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges in South Korea and the Zozo Championship in Japan difficult for many players. The tour considers moving these events to the United States. The WGC-HSBC Champions in China faces cancellation because China cancelled all sporting events for the rest of the year.

Sponsors face challenges as the tour continues to operate without fans or corporate hospitality at many tournaments. The tour pays the entire bill for purses during these periods. Commissioner Jay Monahan says he works with partners to address market challenges. Will the tour move the Asian events to the United States permanently?

Kim Sung-hyun secured his return to the 2026 PGA Tour by finishing second in the Korn Ferry Tour points. He shot a 5-under 66 in the second round of the KPGA Championship to catch five birdies and record no bogeys. He notes that the PGA Tour presents a more competitive stage than the Korn Ferry Tour. He wants to achieve the No. 1 spot in the points rankings for the remainder of the season.