PGA Tour Looks to Keep the Party Going at Genesis
Scottie Scheffler claimed his first PGA Tour victory in front of the raucous crowds in Phoenix on Sunday, surging past a number of big names on the back nine at TPC Scottsdale, which culminated in beating Patrick Cantlay in a playoff.
TPC Scottsdale & The WM Phoenix Open received rave reviews from everyone not named Charley Hoffman — proving that a firm course and electric fans is a recipe for success for what was once just another stop on tour.
From Scheffler winning for the first time, to the emergence of new fan favorite Sahith Theegala, to Joel Dahmen and Harry Higgs flashing the crowds on 16 and Sam Ryder’s hole-in-one there, even on Super Bowl weekend Waste Management found a way to inject some incredible stories into the sports world.
Golf looks to keep that same energy and excitement going into Los Angeles this week, at Riviera Country Club for the Genesis Invitational.
Each of the top 11 ranked players in the world are in action this week, setting the stage for another can’t miss event on the PGA Tour. Genesis delivered just that last year, when Max Homa surged past Tony Finau in an epic multi-hole playoff — allowing the hometown hero in Homa to hoist the trophy.
Aside from the big prize purse and Tiger Woods hosting of this event, many of the world’s best love playing at Riviera Country Club. It’s a difficult course that allows the best, most complete golfers to separate themselves from the field.
As many around golf betting and DFS will tout this week, short game is essential to competing at Riviera. The greens are just simply difficult to hit at a consistent rate at this course — in part due to the number of long irons guys will need into the long Par-4s, as well as the Kikuyu Rough that is difficult to hit out of if golfers miss the fairway.
With rumors of big name golfers jumping ship and joining the Saudi Golf League (or Premier Golf League as it may be called) swirling around more than ever now, I’m hopeful that another great week on the PGA Tour at the Genesis Invitational helps to put some of those ideas to rest…at least for now.
Like many PGA Tour fans, I just want to continue to enjoy watching my favorite golfers, who have almost become like characters in this marvel universe type of environment. You have your heroes, villains, sidekicks, and everything in between. A new golf league looks to upset that balance.
Regardless of how one feels about Bryson DeChambeau or Phil Mickelson potentially leading the charge on a new super league forming, to me it’s just a bit of a downer to even have to think about guys quitting the tour…and in some ways damage a good thing.
Thankfully though, this week at Genesis has already been a breath of fresh air, seeing pillars of the sport like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa return to action.
Both guys have been outspoken in their support of the PGA Tour, which I think is important for golf considering McIlroy and Morikawa are two of the most down-to-earth, intelligent, and well-spoken ambassadors for the sport. Their words carry a special weight to fans and to other golfers out there.
They’re great leaders and excellent role models. In my estimation, the tour is in great hands as long as you have people like this steering the ship.
At any rate, I’m thrilled for the weekend ahead at Riviera. An absolutely loaded field at one of the best, most challenging courses on the PGA Tour.
Thanks for reading and happy GOLF.
