Genesis Invitational Day 1 Tied 17th, Kuchar Leads at 7 Under, 'Number 1' McIlroy at 3 Under
Tiger Woods is taking a shot at the 7th hole on the first day of the Genesis Invitational. Pacific Palisades, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Starting at 2-under par."
The "resurrected golf emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) has begun his pursuit of the most wins (83 victories) on the PGA Tour. On the 14th (Korean time), at the Genesis Invitational held at Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California (par 71, 7,322 yards), Woods posted a 2-under par on the first day, placing him tied for 17th. Matt Kuchar (USA) leads at 7-under par, with five players including Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, CJ Logistics) chasing at 3 strokes behind, tied for 2nd at 4-under par 67.
Woods recorded one eagle, two birdies, and two bogeys. He made a spectacular eagle with a "2-on 1-putt" on the first hole, a par 5, and gained momentum with birdies on the 5th and 8th holes. However, in the back nine, he lacked finishing power, recording two bogeys without any birdies. On the 12th hole (par 4) and 18th hole (par 4), he missed the greens, resulting in "3-on 2-putt." Despite unleashing drives up to 318 yards, his iron shot green hit rate was only 61.11%, causing difficulties.
It is noteworthy that Woods tied Sam Snead's (USA) PGA Tour record for most wins (82) by winning the Zozo Championship last October. This victory marked a new chapter in global golf history. Since 2018, the "Tiger Woods Foundation" has hosted the event, adding motivation. This year, the tournament was elevated to an Invitational, increasing the total prize money by $1.9 million and granting the winner a 3-year tour exemption, quickly turning it into a premier event.
Lee Kyung-hoon is looking at the ball after taking a shot on the 6th hole on the first day of the Genesis Invitational. Pacific Palisades, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images
First, overcoming his bad luck with this tournament is urgent. Although he has a special connection, having participated as an invited player during his high school days in 1992, Woods has appeared nine times since turning professional without a single win. This is surprising given that this period coincides with Woods' prime. He struggled on the greens, including multiple 3-putts. After withdrawing following the second round of the 2006 Nissan Open, he stopped participating altogether. He returned in 2018 but missed the cut, and last year he finished tied for 15th.
Kuchar racked up seven birdies. His "stingy putting" averaging 1.50 birdies per hole stood out. The "number 1 rivalry" between world No. 1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and No. 2 Brooks Koepka (USA) currently favors McIlroy. McIlroy is tied for 7th at 3-under par, while Koepka is tied for 17th. Domestic fans are focusing on Lee Kyoung-hoon's strong performance. Im Sung-jae (22), Kang Sung-hoon (33), and Kim Si-woo (25, all CJ Logistics) also joined the tie for 17th place.
"Number 3" Jon Rahm (Spain) is tied for 33rd at 1-under par, while "King of Riviera" Bubba Watson (USA) fell to a tie for 65th at 1-over par. Watson is the player who collected the winner's trophy three times in the past six years?in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Moon Kyung-jun (38), the "Korean Tour Player of the Year," is facing a thorny path in his PGA Tour challenge from the first round. He posted four bogeys, one double bogey, and one triple bogey, finishing 120th at 9-over par, feeling the "high wall of the world stage."
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