Genesis Open
Riviera CC, California
Thursday Feb 16th -
Sunday 19th 2017
by David Barwise
It’s the last leg of the West Coast swing, and the stakes
are high in the race for world number one.
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| Photo: westsidetoday.com |
The Course
Both historic and well-respected, this 7366 yard par 71 was
designed by George Thomas and is a favourite of many pros and golf-savvy
celebs. Although the shorter holes don’t “favor
any one particular type of player”, the majority of holes at the Riviera
Country Club play right into the hands of the big hitters. The main stumbling
block is the 315 yard 10th – a par 4 short enough to tempt the big
stick crusaders but well-guarded with a green that slopes front-to-back. As the
course’s
official website states, it’s a “timeless strategic challenge”.
The Field
Arguably the strongest PGA field
of the year so far. Out of the top 10, only European heavyweights Rory McIlroy
and Henrik Stenson won’t be in attendance. FedExCup leader Hideki Matsuyama will be teeing off alongside world number one Jason Day and 59-shooter Justin Thomas. The latter’s close
friend Jordan Spieth will be looking
to replicate the Kentuckian by winning twice on the trot after his win last
week at Pebble Beach. This also marks Thomas
Pieters’ first competitive round in the States since impressing at the Ryder Cup.
Last Year
We saw Bubba Watson
claim his second win at Hogan’s Alley – his on point short game the
difference. His opening round of 66 was second only to Camilo Villegas’ 63 which was the lowest score of the week.
Villegas fell away, but Bubba had to fight off Adam Scott and Jason Kokrak,
ultimately holding a one stroke at -16.
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| Photo: golfweek.com |
Spotlight
For the first time this season, Jason
Day has a real chance of being dethroned as world number one. Dustin Johnson could go top if he wins this
week and Day finishes in a three-way tie for T3. Hideki Matsuyama could also jump up to the top spot if he wins and
Day finishes T24 or worse.
Also, despite the high quality of golf on show, a lot of air
time will be dedicated to an absentee. Tiger
Woods had this week earmarked as part of his comeback from injury. However,
back spasms have forced him to withdraw from a few events. His high involvement
at Riviera CC still meant he was scheduled for a press conference but he has
since pulled out of that as well, prompting questions
over the severity of his condition.
Prediction
As I’ve already said, the long-hitters have a big advantage
this week and it’s impossible to ignore Dustin Johnson’s form at this event (2,
T2, 4 in the last three years). Also, apart from his missed cut at the Farmers
Insurance Open, the reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year hasn’t finished
outside of the top ten in 2017. DJ is my
favourite to win this week.
I also don’t envision
this to be a happy title defence for Bubba Watson who has got off to a slow
start this year (MC, and T25 in 32-man field). He’ll be relying on a good week
to jumpstart his season and gear up for the Masters like
his he did in 2016.
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