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.
Table of Contents
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?
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
Bryson Dechambeau and Sergio Garcia 55/1
Matt Kuchar 60/1
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
(Odds correct at 15.30 February 11)