Hideki Matsuyama wins Genesis Invitational title after stunning final round

Mon, 19 Feb, 2024 - 06:22

Phil Casey, PA Golf Correspondent

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama fired a stunning final round of 62 to win the Genesis Invitational and secure his ninth PGA Tour title.

Matsuyama carded nine birdies at Riviera Country Club to finish 17 under par, overturning a six-shot deficit to overnight leader Patrick Cantlay to claim his first win in two years.

The former Masters champion birdied his first three holes in a front nine of 32 and started the back nine with another hat-trick of gains to move into a five-way tie for the lead.

NAILS.
@HidekiOfficial_ with a tap-in birdie for the co-lead @TheGenesisInv. pic.twitter.com/Coku9Gne30

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2024

But the best was yet to come as the former world number two – who had slipped to 55th in the rankings – hit his approach to the 15th to eight inches, his tee shot on the next even closer and also birdied the 17th to effectively seal victory with several groups still out on the course.

“I wasn’t striking the ball really well but my chipping and putting was working a lot this week, especially the second shot on 15 was one of the best I had. That really helped,” Matsuyama said through an interpreter.

“I think it’s really important for me to keep this momentum, especially going to Augusta, so hopefully I can keep that.”

Will Zalatoris and Luke List shared second place on 14 under par, List having held a two-shot lead on 16 under after racing to the turn in 30, only to struggle home in 38.

An incredible 6-shot comeback win for @HidekiOfficial! 🏆

Matsuyama shines in LA to secure win No. 9 @TheGenesisInv. pic.twitter.com/tApUWoHGAY

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2024

Zalatoris carded four birdies and two bogeys in his closing 69, while 54-hole leader Cantlay could only manage a final round of 72, which included a birdie from 50 feet on the 18th.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for 10th after a closing 67, with Rory McIlroy joint 24th following a final round of 70.

“I think that I’m close. I’m not quite where I want to be,” McIlroy told CBS.

“It’s one of these courses where you know that precision is so important and putting your ball in the right areas and if you’re just slightly off your weaknesses sort of get magnified this week.”