Jacob Bridgeman, the 26-year-old South Carolina native, finished -18 under par to win by one stroke over Rory McIlroy and Kurt Kitayama. He survived one of the toughest closing stretches at the Genesis Invitational, becoming the tournament’s 100th champion.
He began Sunday with a six-shot lead and even extended it to seven with 12 holes to play. Bridgeman was paired with McIlroy in the final round. With most of the crowd supporting McIlroy, Bridgeman went birdie-less over his final 15 holes, but made countless saves with his putter, and made a clutch 3-foot par putt on 18 to secure the victory.
“I couldn’t even feel my hands on the last couple of greens,” Bridgeman said. “I just hit the putt hoping it would get somewhere near the hole, and both of them I left a mile short. But I’m glad it’s done now.”
Bridgeman’s first place finish at the Genesis Invitational earned him $4,000,000, while McIlroy and Kitayama tied for second and earned $1,800,000.
Bridgeman won as a first-time competitor at Riviera, something not accomplished since 2005. He dominated Riviera all week, firing a consistent string of under-par rounds- 66-64-64 through the first three rounds.
His victory at Riviera provides exemptions into future majors and high-profile events, including entries into The Masters (which he was already secured for after reaching the Tour Championship last season), PGA Championship, and The Players Championship.
The odds of Bridgeman winning at the beginning of the week were 80/1.
Bridgeman’s golf journey took shape at Clemson University before he turned professional in 2022. At Clemson, he was one of the Tiger’s most decorated golfers, tying the school record for wins and earning ACC Golfer of the Year.
Bridgeman is scheduled to play in the 2026 Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor March 19 – 22. For ticket information go to: https://valsparchampionship.com/tickets-parking
The PGA Tour is off to Palm Beach Gardens this week to play the Cognizant Classic at PGA National Feb. 26 – March 1.
Jeeno Thitikul won her 8th LPGA Tour Title in Thailand last week. Her first win in her home country. The 23-year-old remains number 1 in the Women’s World Golf rankings.
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