Bridgeman Claims First PGA Tour Win, Revealed as a True Talent

First Career Victory at the Genesis Invitational
Four Wins at Clemson University, Proven Powerhouse
Second in College Rankings, Direct Path to Korn Ferry Tour
Strength in Approach Shots and Putting Fuels Win

Jacob Bridgeman of the United States, born in December 1999, has done something remarkable.

On February 22 (local time), at Riviera Country Club (par 71, 7,383 yards) in Los Angeles, California, United States, Bridgeman captured his first career victory at the Genesis Invitational, a PGA Tour Signature Event with a total purse of 20 million dollars. He edged Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Kurt Kitayama of the United States by one stroke. It was his first time lifting a winner's trophy in his 66th tournament since turning professional in 2024. He earned 4 million dollars in prize money (about 5.8 billion won).

Bridgeman Jacob (left) is holding the trophy and posing for a commemorative photo with host Woods Tiger immediately after winning the Genesis Invitational. Los Angeles=EPA/Yonhap News

Now 26 years old, Bridgeman is a hidden master. During his time at Clemson University in South Carolina, he was so successful that he collected four collegiate victories. In his final college season, he stood at the top of the ACC Tournament, which belongs to NCAA Division I in the United States. He went straight to the Korn Ferry Tour (the second-tier tour) after ranking second in the college rankings recognized by the PGA Tour. By finishing 14th in the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour ranking points, he earned promotion to the PGA Tour the following year.

Last year, he announced his presence by recording four top-5 and five top-10 finishes. He contended for titles by tying for second at the Cognizant Classic and finishing third at the Valspar Championship. This year, he has shown consistency by making the cut in all five tournaments he has played. Starting with a tie for fourth at the season-opening Sony Open, he went on to finish tied for eighth at the first Signature Event of the season, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, held last week.

Bridgeman is an excellent putter. He ranked seventh in Strokes Gained: Putting in 2024 and 21st last year. Ahead of this tournament, he focused on his approach play and putting practice. Over the four rounds, he ranked first in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green (5.985 strokes) and also first in Strokes Gained: Putting (7.307 strokes. Enjoying the joy of securing his first victory at a Signature Event, Bridgeman jumped to first place in the FedExCup standings. His world ranking also soared straight up to 20th.