In a spectacular display of skill and determination at The Riviera Country Club, Hideki Matsuyama achieved a historic victory in The Genesis Invitational, setting a new Riviera record for the lowest closing round by a winner. With an astounding 9-under 62, Matsuyama not only clinched the tournament but also surpassed the record for most PGA TOUR wins by an Asian-born player, previously held jointly with K.J. Choi of South Korea.
Closing with a total score of 17-under 267, Matsuyama secured a three-shot victory over competitors Will Zalatoris and Luke List. His remarkable performance left fellow golfers in awe, including his playing partner J.T. Poston, who described it as possibly the most impressive round he has ever witnessed.
The final round was full of intense competition, with Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele initially appearing as strong contenders. However, both players experienced difficulties in the latter half of the round, eventually tying for fourth place.
Matsuyama’s win marked his first since his playoff victory at the Sony Open two years prior. The achievement resonated deeply with Matsuyama, who had previously discussed with Shigeki Maruyama the ambition of becoming the most prolific Asian winner on the PGA TOUR.
Despite starting the final round six shots behind and with Cantlay in the lead, Matsuyama displayed exceptional prowess, especially on the 15th hole, where his second shot was lauded as his best. His precision continued on the par-3 16th, where his shot landed within 6 inches of the hole, and he maintained his lead with consecutive birdies.
Matsuyama’s final moment of triumph came with a 4-footer for par on the 18th, prompting a rare show of emotion from the typically reserved golfer. His 62 broke the previous Riviera closing round record set in 1986.
The victory, particularly meaningful after two challenging years marked by injuries and fewer top-10 finishes, has propelled Matsuyama back into the top echelons of golf. With this win, he not only earned $4 million from the $20 million purse but also improved his world ranking significantly, setting a promising tone for the upcoming major season. Matsuyama’s victory was acknowledged by Tiger Woods, who admired the remarkable 62 and comeback from a six-shot deficit on social media.
