Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama shot a stunning final-round 62 to win the Genesis Invitational and claim his ninth PGA Tour title.
Matsuyama had nine birdies to finish at 17 under at Riviera Country Club, overturning a six-shot deficit against overnight leader Patrick Cantlay to win the first win in two years. ’s first victory.
The former Masters champion shot 32 on the front nine, birdied the first three holes and added another hat trick at the start of the back nine to push the lead into a five-way tie. But the best was yet to come, as the former world No. 2 – who has slipped to No. 55 – hit his ball to 8 inches on the approach to the 15th hole, and he was even closer on the next teed off and birdied the 17th hole, effectively sealing the victory. Several groups are still ongoing.
“I’m not hitting the ball very well, but my chipping and putting have been a big help this week, and the second shot on No. 15 in particular was one of my best shots. That really helped. ,” Matsuyama said through an interpreter. “I think it’s really important for me to keep that momentum going, especially going to Augusta, so hopefully I can keep that momentum going.”
Will Zalatoris and Luke List were tied for second at 14 under, with List going into the corner at 30 He was two shots ahead at 16, but struggled home with a score of 38. Will Zalatoris had four birdies and two bogeys in his final 69. , while Cantlay, the 54-hole leader, could only shoot 72 in the final round, including a 50-foot birdie on the 18th hole.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood was tied for 10th after a final-round 67, and Rory McIlroy was tied for 24th after a final-round 70.
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“I think I’m pretty close. I’m not quite where I want to be yet,” McIlroy told CBS. “On one of those courses, you know precision is so important, hitting your ball in the right area, and if you’re just a little bit off, your weaknesses are going to be magnified this week.”
