Genesis Invitational Set to Begin, Signature Event
Venue Changed from Riviera to Torrey Pines Due to LA Wildfires
Consistent Strong Performances at Annual Farmers Insurance Open
Power Rankings: Im Sungjae Ranks Third Behind McIlroy and Morikawa
"I've always liked Torrey Pines South Course. It seems to suit me well."
‘The Torrey Pines Master’ Im Sung-jae is challenging for his first victory of the year. Starting from the 13th (local time) for four days, he will compete in the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money $20 million) held at Torrey Pines South Course (par 72) in San Diego, California, USA. This tournament has traditionally been held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, a suburb of Los Angeles, California, but this year the venue was changed due to severe wildfire damage near the golf course.
World No. 21 Im Sung-jae has been strong at the changed battleground, Torrey Pines South Course. Torrey Pines South Course is where the Farmers Insurance Open is held annually. Im has appeared seven times at the Farmers Insurance Open, finishing tied for 6th in 2022, tied for 4th in 2023, and tied for 4th again in this year's tournament held last month. Im expressed confidence, saying, "You need to have a strong long game to perform well on the South Course. My strength is the long game."
In the PGA Tour.com power rankings, which predict the favorites in advance, Im Sung-jae ranked 3rd. World No. 3 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and No. 4 Collin Morikawa (USA) are ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. Since his second career win at the 2021 October Shriners Children's Open, Im has yet to achieve a third victory. This is an opportunity to collect a winner's trophy on his favorite course.
Rory McIlroy, who secured his first win of the season early at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am two weeks ago, is aiming for his second victory. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA), who had a late start to the season due to a hand injury in December last year, is also a strong contender. Last year's champion Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) is hoping for back-to-back wins.
‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA), who recently lost his mother, withdrew from the Genesis Invitational three days before the tournament started. Although he will not compete as a player, he will stay at Torrey Pines throughout the tournament as the host. Korea’s Kim Joo-hyung, An Byeong-hun, and Kim Si-woo are listed on the entry list.
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