What Hideki Matsuyama did on Sunday at the Riviera will remain in the history books forever.
He waltzed around the course known as “Hogan’s Alley” and shot a 9-under 62 to blast through the field and steal the Genesis Invitational trophy from the likes of Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris.
Matsuyama’s stunning 62 marked the lowest final round score ever recorded at the historic Riviera.
And in the world of golf, few people know more about the history of the sport than Tiger Woods, host of the Genesis Invitational. Woods also made his PGA Tour debut at Riviera in 1992.
“Congratulations [Hideki Matsuyama] Incredible victory at the Genesis Invitational,” Woods wrote on X on Sunday night.
“I watched it all day, but to shoot a record-breaking 62 and come back from a six-shot deficit was really special.”
Typically, Woods is at the annual trophy ceremony at Riviera, standing alongside the champion in the winner’s circle.
But Woods withdrew from this year’s Genesis Invitational on Friday, citing illness. He then admitted he had the flu.
Woods was last seen on the Riviera grounds late Friday after his withdrawal. He then left the clubhouse in a courtesy car rather than an ambulance as initially suspected. Paramedics arrived at the club shortly after Woods withdrew, raising many questions and raising eyebrows among fans and media.
Despite this, Matsuyama was extremely disappointed that Woods was unable to attend this year’s trophy presentation ceremony due to his illness.
“I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t take a photo with Tiger today,” Matsuyama said at a press conference after his victory.
“Winning this tournament has been one of my goals since I turned pro. Since Tiger became the host, that goal has become even bigger.”
Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, earned his ninth PGA Tour victory at Riviera, making him the winningest Asian-born player in tour history. He was previously tied with South Korea’s KJ Choi.
“One of my big goals was to achieve nine wins and overtake KJ Choi,” Matsuyama explained.
“After winning my eighth win, I started to suffer from a back injury. There were many times when I thought, “I can’t win anymore.” It was a struggle to get into the top 10, but I’m really happy that I was able to win today. ”
Sunday was a special day for Matsuyama, who has had to overcome a lot of adversity over the past two years due to lingering back and neck injuries.
Woods is no stranger to injuries, and given his esteemed career, calling Matsuyama’s win “really special” probably carries more weight than any other compliment in golf. There is.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
