What Hideki Matsuyama did on Sunday at Riviera will stay on within the historical past books ceaselessly.
He waltzed across the course referred to as “Hogan’s Alley,” taking pictures a 9-under 62 to race previous the sector and steal the Genesis Invitational trophy from the likes of Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Will Zalatoris.
Matsuyama’s unbelievable 62 marked the bottom final-round rating ever shot at Riviera, a spot steeped in historical past.
And only a few folks in golf know extra about this sport’s historical past than Tiger Woods, the host of the Genesis Invitational. Woods even made his PGA Tour debut at Riviera in 1992.
“Congratulations to [Hideki Matsuyama] on an unbelievable win on the Genesis Invitational,” Woods posted on X Sunday night.
“I used to be watching all day, and seeing a record-breaking 62 and coming from six pictures again is actually particular.”
Sometimes, Woods is on web site for the trophy presentation at Riviera annually, standing alongside the champion within the winner’s circle.
However Woods withdrew from this yr’s Genesis Invitational on Friday, citing an sickness. He later confirmed he had a case of influenza.
Woods was final seen on the Riviera property late Friday following his withdrawal. He then left the clubhouse in a courtesy automotive, not an ambulance, as was initially suspected. Paramedics arrived on the membership instantly after Woods withdrew, resulting in loads of questions and raised eyebrows amongst followers and media alike.
Nonetheless, Woods’ sickness meant that he couldn’t take part on this yr’s trophy presentation, a lot to Matsuyama’s dismay.
“Somewhat dissatisfied that I wasn’t capable of take an image with Tiger right this moment,” Matsuyama mentioned at his post-victory press convention.
“To win on this event was one in every of my targets ever since I turned professional. After Tiger grew to become the host, that aim grew to become rather a lot larger.”
Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, earned his ninth profession PGA Tour victory at Riviera, thus changing into the winningest Asian-born participant in tour historical past. He beforehand sat in a tie with South Korea’s Ok.J. Choi.
“Reaching 9 wins and passing Ok.J. Choi was one in every of my large targets,” Matsuyama defined.
“After my eighth win, I’ve been fighting my again damage. There have been a whole lot of instances once I felt I used to be by no means going to win once more. I struggled to succeed in the highest 10, however I’m actually completely satisfied that I used to be capable of win right this moment.”
Sunday was a special occasion for Matsuyama, who has needed to overcome a lot adversity over the previous two years due to lingering again and neck accidents.
Woods is aware of all about accidents, too, and contemplating his esteemed resume, for him to name Matsuyama’s win “actually particular” carries vital weight—maybe extra so than some other praise in golf.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. Be sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
