Genesis Invitational Golf Betting – New world number one McIlroy favourite at Riviera

Rory McIlroy /Northern Ireland ©imago images / Icon SMI 11.02.2020

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been grouped together in the previous two years of the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club but have been kept apart in the opening two rounds at Pacific Palisades in California this year.

Tiger seeks record-breaking victory

Tiger Woods is bidding to break Sam Snead’s PGA Tour wins record and grab victory number 83 at the place where he played his first professional event back in 1992 but this year starts out alongside Justin Thomas and American Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker.
This is Tiger’s third appearance on the PGA Tour in 2020. He won THE ZOZO Championship to tie Sam Snead’s wins record then tied for ninth at the Farmers Insurance Open. However, the Riviera is the only course Woods has played more than four times in his career where he hasn’t won and he is a best 18/1 this year.
FedExCup leader Thomas is seeking a third win of the season. He squandered a four-shot lead to JB Holmes on the final day of the 2019 Genesis Open so will be desperate to make amends and is a general 20/1.

The Riviera Country Club

The course, opened in 1926, is a par 71 measuring 7,322 yards.
The Pacific Ocean breeze can be a factor on the back nine but this is not a difficult course by normal PGA standards, despite its undulations.
The venue has been the backdrop for several Hollywood movies and has also been a haunt for Tinseltown’s most famous faces including Humphrey Bogart, Dean Martin, Douglas Fairbanks and Gregory Peck. Glenn Campbell, Walt Disney and Hal Roach were also members.

Tournament History

The tournament formerly known as the Genesis Open is making its debut this week as the Genesis Invitational. That means a reduced field size from 144 to 120 and a three-year tour exemption for the winner instead of the usual two-years. There has been a $1.9 million increase in the prize money to $9.3 million, including a $1.674 million winner’s cheque.
It started life as the Los Angeles Open and has been staged at the Riviera almost exclusively since 1973. Bubba Watson has won it three times in the last six years and it’s also a favourite of Dustin Johnson. Phil Mickelson won it in 2008 and 2009.
Genesis Invitational Golf Betting at Paddy Power

Genesis Invitational Recent Winners

Year Player Score To Par Winning Margin
Genesis Open
2019 J. B. Holmes 270 −14 1 stroke
2018 Bubba Watson (3) 272 −12 2 strokes
2017 Dustin Johnson 267 −17 5 strokes
Northern Trust Open
2016 Bubba Watson (2) 269 −15 1 stroke
2015 James Hahn 278 −6 Playoff
2014 Bubba Watson 269 −15 2 strokes
2013 John Merrick 273 −11 Playoff
2012 Bill Haas 277 −7 Playoff
2011 Aaron Baddeley 272 −12 2 strokes
2010 Steve Stricker 268 −16 2 strokes
2009 Phil Mickelson (2) 269 −15 1 stroke
2008 Phil Mickelson 272 −12 2 strokes

Rory hoping to cement his place at the top of the rankings

Rory McIlroy is making his first appearance on the PGA Tour since returning to the top of the rankings for the first time in five years. He plays alongside Patrick Cantlay and Dustin Johnson, who romped to a five-shot victory at the Genesis Open in 2017.
The Ulsterman makes his fourth appearance at the Riviera having tied for fourth place last year. He’s a general 15/2 to come out on top over the four rounds and a general 16/1 to be leader after the opening 18 holes. Johnson is worth considering at a much bigger 28/1 with 888sport in the Outright betting.
JB Holmes is 66/1 with Betfred to record back-to-back victories will begin his defence playing with Justin Rose and Jon Rahm. The Spaniard is one of two players who, with victory, could ensure McIlroy’s stay as world No 1 is brief and he is a general 22/1.

Can Bubba’s love affair with the Riviera continue?

Bubba Watson hunting for another trophy

Brooks Koepka makes his first PGA Tour appearance since withdrawing mid-tournament at the CJ Cup in October. The four-time major champion has started the year with a couple of respectable performances on the European Tour and will be looking to step up his rehabilitation, earning a 33/1 quote from 888sport. But one of his playing partners in the opening two rounds will likely gain more attention.
BUBBA WATSON‘s three previous victories at the Riviera have all come in years ending in an even number so you could argue that he is due another bold showing.
The Florida native is 41 now but still one of the longest drivers on the PGA Tour. Twice a Masters winner, he didn’t win on the PGA Tour last year but has already recorded top 10 finishes in the Farmers Insurance Open and Phoenix Open this year so should be cherry-ripe for another assault on the Riviera.

Genesis Invitational Current Best Odds

Rory McIlroy 16/1
Justin Thomas 20/1
Jon Rahm 22/1
Dustin Johnson 28/1
Patrick Cantlay, Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka 33/1
Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele and Bubba Watson 35/1
Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama 40/1
Justin Rose and Jason Day 45/1
Marc Leishman, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Paul Casey, Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed 50/1
Bryson Dechambeau and Sergio Garcia 55/1
Matt Kuchar 60/1
J B Holmes, Abraham Ancer and Kevin Na 66/1
Sungjae Im and Matthew Fitzpatrick 70/1
Max Homa and Joaquin Niemann 75/1
Cameron Champ, Branden Grace, Cameron Smith, Nick Taylor, Alex Noren, Ryan Moore and Charles Howell III 80/1
Adam Hadwin and Scottie Scheffler 90/1
Brendon Todd 95/1
100/1 an upwards others

(Odds correct at 15.30 February 11)

Bubba Watson Top 10 Finish
5/2

Paddy Power