February 19, (THEWILL) – Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama produced a sensational final round of 62, the lowest closing round by a tournament winner at The Riviera Country Club, to claim a dramatic comeback victory at the 2024 Genesis Invitational.
Starting the day six shots off the lead, Matsuyama fired nine birdies to card a scintillating nine-under-par round and rally past third-round leader Patrick Cantlay, who struggled to a one-over 72. The 31-year-old’s comeback saw him finish on 17 under par for a three-shot triumph over Americans Luke List and Will Zalatoris.
Matsuyama was delighted to claim his ninth PGA Tour title, moving him clear of South Korea’s KJ Choi for most wins by an Asian player. “Reaching nine wins was one of my big goals, passing KJ Choi,” said Matsuyama, who has struggled with injury since his last victory at the 2022 Sony Open.
The Japanese star took control of the tournament with a blistering run of six birdies in seven holes on the back nine, including a 46-foot putt on the 12th. Tap-in birdies on 15 and 16 saw him hit the front ahead of a crowded leaderboard that had five players tied for the lead at one stage on the final day.
Overnight leader Cantlay, carrying a two-shot advantage into Sunday, was unable to build any momentum and slipped down into a tie for fourth on 14 under par with Adam Hadwin and Xander Schauffele.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
