Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama posted an incredible final round 62 to win the Genesis Invitational and claim his ninth PGA Tour title.
Matsuyama had nine birdies at Riviera Country Club and finished with a total of 17 under par, overturning last night’s six-stroke lead over leader Patrick Cantlay and winning for the first time in two years.
The former Masters champion birdied the first three of his 32 holes on the front nine and added another hat trick on the back nine to move into a five-way tie for the lead. But the best moment was yet to come. The former world No. 2, who had fallen to 55th in the rankings, moved his approach to 8 inches from the 15th hole, hit his next tee shot even closer, and birdied the 17th hole to effectively seal victory. Several groups are still on the course.
“I didn’t hit the ball very well, but my chipping and putting worked well this week, and especially the second shot on No. 15 was one of the best I’ve ever hit. It really helped me,” Matsuyama said as an interpreter. spoke through. “I think it’s really important for me to keep this momentum going, especially going to Augusta, so hopefully I can keep it going.”
Will Zalatoris and Luke List shared second place at 14 under. List fought until the turn with a 30 and held a two-stroke lead at 16 under, but struggled home with a 38. Zalatoris finished with a 69 with four birdies and two bogeys. Meanwhile, Cantlay, the 54-hole leader, could only manage a final-round 72, including a birdie from 50 feet on the 18th.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood finished with a 67 to tie for 10th place, while Rory McIlroy finished the final round with a 70 to tie for 24th place.
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“I think I’m close. I’m not where I want to be yet,” McIlroy told CBS. “This is one of those courses where you know accuracy is very important and it’s important to put the ball in the right area, and if you’re off by even a little bit, your weaknesses will be magnified even more this week. There is a possibility.”
