Tiger Woods had to call it quits during the 2024 Genesis Invitational, withdrawing from the second round of play at Riviera Country Club due to illness. Despite battling through back spasms during his first round, it was flu-like symptoms that ultimately forced him to exit the tournament early.
According to Rob McNamara, Tiger’s business partner, Woods began feeling unwell the night before, and his condition worsened by morning. Despite trying to push through, he started feeling dizzy on the course. Doctors suspect a combination of flu and dehydration, but Woods received treatment and is expected to recover soon.
This unfortunate exit comes after Woods struggled to find his form in the tournament, opening with a 1-over 72 and with his health struggles and performance, making the cut seemed increasingly unlikely, leaving him far behind the tournament leader.
This setback adds to a series of challenges for Woods, who has faced injuries and withdrawals in recent tournaments. His return to competitive golf has been marked by flashes of his old brilliance but has also highlighted his struggle for consistency, both in performance and physical health.
It’s uncertain when we’ll see Woods back in action. The Arnold Palmer Invitational or The Players Championship in March could be potential return points as he gears up for the Masters. However, his ability to compete effectively hinges on his ability to maintain both his game and his physical condition.
For now, the golfing world waits to see how Woods will recover and what his next move will be, hoping for a successful return to form for one of the sport’s greatest icons.
The Genesis Invitational 2024: Where Legends are Made
Get ready for an electrifying event this February as the PGA TOUR makes its way back to Los Angeles. The stage is set at the legendary Riviera Country Club, where golfing excellence meets pure excitement. Hosted by none other than Tiger Woods himself, the 2024 Genesis Invitational promises to be a showcase of greatness.
Prepare to witness top-tier talent from around the globe converge on the lush greens of Riviera. This prestigious tournament isn’t just about golf; it’s where legacies are forged, where new stars rise, and where the spirit of competition reaches its pinnacle.
Mark your calendars for February 15-18 and join us at The Riviera Country Club for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of golfing history in the making as the world’s finest athletes vie for glory on one of the sport’s most revered courses.
Eighteen Holes Separate Contenders at the Genesis Invitational
Saturday at The Riviera Country Club delivered on its promise of excitement during the third round of the 2024 Genesis Invitational. Patrick Cantlay maintained his lead, but the gap has narrowed to just two shots. Cantlay sits at 14-under-par 199 after 54 holes, with Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris tied for second at 12-under.
Cantlay aims to join an elite group by winning the tournament wire-to-wire, a feat achieved only twice since 1969. Riviera holds special significance for Cantlay, who has fond memories of playing here during his college years and competing in the NCAA Championships. As a Southern California native, winning this tournament holds special importance for him.
Schauffele and Zalatoris put up impressive performances, both carding rounds of 6-under 65, tying for the low round of the day with Harris English. Both players have a history of success in Genesis events, with Schauffele winning the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open and Zalatoris earning his first PGA TOUR start at the 2015 Collegiate Showcase at Riviera.
The competition heated up at the iconic par-4 10th hole during the third round, with Seamus Power and Tom Kim each recording eagles in spectacular fashion. Power sank a 33-foot putt from off the green, while Kim holed a wedge shot from nearly 54 feet.
As anticipation builds for the final round on Sunday, golf fans can expect a thrilling showdown. The action kicks off at 6:55 a.m., with the final pairing of Cantlay and Schauffele teeing off at 11:15 a.m. Join us at Riviera as The Genesis Invitational crowns its newest champion. It’s sure to be a day of unforgettable golfing moments.
Cantlay Creates Crucial Cushion at Genesis Invitational
Patrick Cantlay continued his impressive performance at the 2024 Genesis Invitational during Round 2, building on his 18-hole lead. Hailing from Long Beach, California, Cantlay extended his lead over the field, finishing the day with a clubhouse lead at an impressive 13-under-par 129 after 36 holes. Closest to him are Jason Day, Luke List, and Mackenzie Hughes, all tied for second at 8-under, trailing by five shots.
Cantlay’s second round started with a bang as he scored an eagle on the opening par-5 hole. He maintained his momentum with four more birdies throughout the day, managing to avoid any bogeys and finishing with a second-round score of 6-under 65.
Reflecting on his performance, Cantlay expressed the comfort of playing on familiar turf, likening the atmosphere to a home game. The support of the crowd, especially those from the nearby Virginia Country Club where he grew up, added to his confidence.
Joining Cantlay in posting the low round of the day were Max Homa, Corey Conners, and Hughes. For Homa, in particular, the round marked a rebound after an initial setback in the opening round.
However, the spotlight shone brightest on Will Zalatoris, whose remarkable shot on the 184-yard 14th hole resulted in a hole-in-one. Zalatoris’ 7-iron shot landed perfectly, earning him a Genesis GV80 and a Genesis Electrified GV70 for his caddie, Joel Stock.
Zalatoris’s ace was perhaps foreshadowed by a similar shot during a practice round, indicating his readiness for such a feat.
In other news, Chase Johnson, recipient of the 2024 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, made the cut, joining a select group of Sifford Exemption recipients who have achieved this milestone in tournament history.
As Round 3 approaches, anticipation builds for another thrilling day of golf. This year brings a unique format with players teeing off in twosomes off the first tee for the first time in tournament history. Action kicks off at 7:20 a.m. Saturday morning, promising more excitement and drama at The Genesis Invitational.
Cantlay’s Unstoppable Run at the Genesis Invitational
Patrick Cantlay felt right at home at The Riviera Country Club during Thursday’s first round of the 2024 Genesis Invitational. The UCLA alum surged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 7-under-par 64, holding a one-shot lead over Cam Davis, Luke List, and Jason Day.
Reflecting on his stellar performance, Cantlay credited a strong start and excellent putting for his success. He made nearly 130 feet of putts on the slick Riviera greens, ranking second in strokes gained putting for the field. This round marked Cantlay’s lowest score in his nine appearances at The Genesis Invitational, setting a new personal best.
His playing partners, Jordan Spieth and Tom Kim, also had solid outings. Spieth, a former NCAA champion at Riviera, finished tied for fifth at 5-under-66, while Kim posted a respectable 2-under 69.
Will Zalatoris, winner of the 2015 Collegiate Showcase and PGA TOUR debutant at Riviera, also made his presence felt, hovering near the top of the leaderboard alongside Spieth after the first round.
The day began with Chase Johnson, recipient of the 2024 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, teeing off in the opening pairing and finishing at 1-over-70.
In his first PGA TOUR event of the 2024 season, tournament host Tiger Woods carded a 1-over 72. Despite the score, Woods cherished the experience of competing alongside his friends Justin Thomas and Gary Woodland, highlighting the camaraderie and fun they shared on the course.
Woodland echoed Woods’ sentiment, emphasizing the positive energy among the group throughout the day.
As the Genesis Invitational progresses, anticipation builds for the second round starting at 7:20 a.m. on Friday. Limited tickets are still available for those eager to witness more thrilling golf action at The Riviera Country Club.
Cole Rueck Crowned Winner of 2024 Genesis Invitational Collegiate Showcase
Once again, The Genesis Invitational Collegiate Showcase brought thrilling competition to The Riviera Country Club, culminating in a dramatic playoff to determine the champion. Cole Rueck, a sophomore representing Boise State University, emerged victorious after making a clutch birdie putt on the 11th green, securing the 2024 Collegiate Showcase title.
Rueck’s triumph came after a tightly contested battle with Petr Hruby from the University of Washington. Both players finished their rounds at even-par 71, leading to a playoff that began on Riviera’s iconic par-4 10th hole. Despite both players making par, it was Rueck who seized the opportunity on the second playoff hole when Hruby found trouble in the greenside bunker, paving the way for Rueck’s decisive birdie putt.
While Hruby fell short in the individual competition, his team of amateur players secured victory in the team competition, earning a $50,000 donation to the University of Washington golf program.
In addition to the thrilling playoff, Kristopher Stiles, the 2024 Pathway Player, delivered a commendable performance, finishing eighth among the field of 15 collegiate athletes.
The 2024 Collegiate Showcase marked its 10th edition, introducing a new incentive as the winner earned an exemption into the prestigious Genesis Scottish Open. Past winners of the Showcase include notable names like Will Zalatoris, Sahith Theegala, and Scottie Scheffler.
Here’s how the leaderboard shaped up:
- T1: Cole Rueck (Boise State University) – E (71)
- T1: Petr Hruby (University of Washington) – E (71)
- T3: Caleb Shetler (San Jose State University) – +1 (72)
- T3: Chuan-Tai Lin (University of Washington) – +1 (72)
- T3: Riccardo Fantinelli (Princeton University) – +1 (72)
- T6: Kristof Panke (University of Wyoming) – +2 (73)
- T6: Sangha Park (University of Texas Permian Basin) – +2 (73)
- 8: Kristopher Stiles (San Jose State University) – +3 (74)
- T9: Taehoon Song (University of Washington) – +4 (75)
- T9: Bo Peng (The University of Washington) – +4 (75)
- T11: Andrew McLauchlan (Wake Forest University) – +5 (76)
- T11: Michael Brennan (Wake Forest University) – +5 (76)
- T13: Daniel Sheedy (Wake Forest University) – +6 (77)
- T13: Shane Ffrench (University of Southern California) – +6 (77)
- T13: Nathan Han (Columbia University) – +6 (77)
Congratulations to Cole Rueck and all the competitors for an exciting showcase of collegiate talent at The Genesis Invitational.