Hideki Matsuyama Makes History at 2024 Genesis Invitational
In a stunning comeback, Hideki Matsuyama secured victory at the 2024 Genesis Invitational. Going into the final round, Matsuyama trailed Patrick Cantlay by six strokes. However, he delivered an extraordinary performance, shooting a remarkable 9-under round of 62 at the renowned Riviera Country Club. This achievement now places Matsuyama among a select group of players who have overcome such a deficit to win a PGA Tour event by three strokes or more.
Previously, only Ben Crane at the 2003 BellSouth Classic and Bubba Watson at the 2018 Travelers Championship had accomplished this feat. Matsuyama’s victory at the Genesis Invitational marks his ninth PGA Tour win, finishing at an impressive 17-under for the tournament. Will Zalatoris and Luke List finished three strokes behind, tied for second place. Cantlay, on the other hand, ended up tied for fourth after a final-round 72.
Matsuyama’s triumph not only brought him the title but also a substantial payday. As one of the eight Signature Events on the 2024 PGA Tour schedule, the Genesis Invitational featured a staggering $20 million purse. Matsuyama’s share of the prize money amounted to a whopping $4 million, the largest on-course payout of his career. To put this into perspective, it’s almost double the amount he earned for his victory at the 2021 Masters, which netted him $2.07 million.
During his final round at Riviera, Matsuyama started strong, carding birdies on the first three holes. Although he experienced a slight lull with six consecutive pars, he regained momentum on the back nine. He once again strung together three consecutive birdies, including a remarkable 46-foot putt on the 12th hole. By the 14th hole, Matsuyama was tied for the lead at 14-under with four other players.
Undeterred, the soon-to-be 32-year-old golfer continued his impressive run. He added three more birdies on holes 15-17, with two of them resulting from exceptional approach shots. Matsuyama finished the tournament at 17-under after a routine two-putt par on the 18th hole. Although he fell just short of Ted Tryba’s course record of 61, Matsuyama’s final round score of 62 is the lowest ever recorded in the final round of a PGA Tour event held at Riviera.
Hideki Matsuyama’s victory at the 2024 Genesis Invitational will undoubtedly go down in history as a remarkable comeback and a testament to his exceptional skill on the golf course.
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Hideki Matsuyama emerged as the champion of the 2024 Genesis Invitational, claiming a whopping $4 million in prize money. This victory not only solidifies Matsuyama’s status as a golfing legend, but also secures his place among the elite players in the sport.
But Matsuyama was not the only one to walk away with a hefty paycheck. Sharing the second-place honors were rising star Will Zalatoris and the talented Luke List, both taking home a handsome sum of $1.8 million. These impressive earnings are a testament to their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, a trio of players – Patrick Cantlay, Adam Hadwin, and Xander Schauffele – tied for fourth place, each pocketing a respectable $866,667. Their consistent play and unwavering determination earned them a well-deserved spot among the top contenders.
The 2024 Genesis Invitational proved to be a thrilling and lucrative event for these golfing superstars. With a total purse of $20 million, this tournament showcased the immense talent and competitiveness within the sport. As the dust settles and the winners bask in their triumphs, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exhilarating journey of golf excellence.
Luke Norris, a renowned golf journalist, provides comprehensive coverage of the sport. His insightful analysis and expert commentary make him a trusted source for all things golf-related. Stay connected with Luke Norris as he continues to bring you the latest updates and stories from the world of golf.
According to the Source heavy.com