Woods' "Riviera Mystery"... What About 'Number 1' McIlroy?

At the Genesis Invitational: '83-Win March', Top 5 Including McIlroy, Watson Joins

The 'resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods is challenging the PGA Tour record for most wins (83 victories) at the Genesis Invitational.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] It is the second outing of the 'resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) in 2020.

On the night of the 13th (Korean time), the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million) opens at the Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California (par 71, 7,322 yards). Since 2018, the event has been hosted by the 'Tiger Woods Foundation.' This year, it was elevated to an Invitational, increasing the total prize money by $1.9 million, expanding the scale, and instantly becoming a premium match by granting the winner a 3-year tour exemption.

▲ Woods and the "Riviera Mystery" = It has been three weeks since the Farmers Open last month. His history with this tournament is interesting. He has a special connection, having participated as an invited player during his high school days in 1992. However, after turning professional, he played nine times without a single win. This is surprising given that this period was Woods' prime. He struggled on the greens, often making 'three-putts.' After withdrawing following the second round of the 2006 Nissan Open, he stopped attending altogether.

He missed the cut in 2018 and finished tied for 15th last year. This time, however, the circumstances are different. In October last year, he won the Zozo Championship, tying Sam Snead's PGA Tour record for most wins (82), and last month he warmed up with a tie for 9th at the Farmers Open. It is noteworthy that Woods recorded an average score of 67.85 (2nd on the PGA Tour) in his last two tournaments. He is challenging a new global golf history with a bid for his 83rd win.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy will face off against Tiger Woods at the Genesis Invitational.

▲ McIlroy's "World No.1 Power" = Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) swept three wins last year and was crowned 'Player of the Year.' In March, he won 'The Players Championship,' known as the '5th Major,' the Canadian Open in June, and the Tour Championship, the final third leg of the Playoffs (PO), in August, hitting a jackpot of $15 million (17.8 billion KRW). In November, he took the HSBC Champions, part of the World Golf Championships (WGC) series included in the 2020 season, gaining momentum.

The clash with Woods is especially meaningful for McIlroy. The upcoming Masters in April, where Woods will defend his title, is the final puzzle for McIlroy to complete his 'Career Grand Slam.' He took the early lead with a tie for 3rd at the Farmers Open. No. 2 Brooks Koepka (USA) is urgently recovering from injury. The 'Top 5' all declared their participation, including 3rd Jon Rahm (Spain), 4th Justin Thomas, and 5th Dustin Johnson (both USA).

'The King of Riviera' Bubba Watson aimed to collect his fourth championship trophy at the Genesis Invitational, following his wins in 2014, 2016, and 2018.

▲ Watson: "I am the King of Riviera" = Experts have added Bubba Watson (USA) as a contender. He has collected the winner's trophy three times in the past six years?in 2014, 2016, and 2018?an impressive record of winning every even year. With a tie for 6th at the Farmers Open and a tie for 3rd at the Phoenix Open, his momentum is building. Defending champion J.B. Holmes (USA) recalls the thrilling memory of his one-stroke victory last year.

Veteran Phil Mickelson (USA) is a dark horse. He is frustrated after finishing 3rd on the final day of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which ended on the 11th. Korea's 'Rookie of the Year' Im Sung-jae (22) leads the charge, accompanied by Kang Sung-hoon (33), Kim Si-woo (25), and Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, all from CJ Logistics). For domestic fans, Moon Kyung-jun's (38) performance is a hot topic off the course. He earned an invitation as the runner-up of the Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Korean Tour Genesis Championship last October.