With spring just a little more than a month away, the PGA golf tour is getting more active. This week it is the Genesis Invitational that will captivate from the links. Let’s take a look at what we can expect from this week’s tour stop.
The Genesis Invitational 2020 – A Preview
The Course and Weather
The Genesis Invitational is playing at the Riviera Country Club in beautiful Pacific Palisades, California. A scenic course of just over seven thousand yards, Riviera offers challenging bunker placement along with hills and valleys to maneuver through. Combine this with a weekend weather forecast of cloudy but dry with temperatures ranging from mid-forties early in the morning to the seventies in the afternoon. This gives the invitational an almost perfect weather scenario and excellent course conditions.
Adding a unique and heartwarming touch to the course. Hole number 8 will be dedicated the entire weekend to the late Kobe Bryant who was tragically killed along with his daughter and seven others on board a helicopter on January 26th. This further shows a loving bond that reaches out among all sports and players.
Top Talented Players
Defending champion J.B. Holmes will be returning to put his skills to the test to see if he can repeat last year’s win. It’s a feat only a few have been able to attain in the realm of golf. Of course, it has been done here and there and would undoubtedly set Holmes up as one of the top men to beat for the 2019-2020 season.
After his strong win at Pebble Beach last week, Nick Taylor is certainly a favorite as he enters the Genesis Invitational. Going into last Sunday, he held the lead and was able to fend off those who pursued him. That includes Phil Mickelson who also had a solid weekend last week. Mickelson’s short game was one of the best seen this year. He made shot after shot, out of bunkers and far off the green. He’d either come within a few feet of the cup or hole it out ultimately. If he can bring that short game this week, he can easily add to his trophy case.
Another key player to watch for is Tiger Woods, now searching for his 83rd win. There are few challenges that are out there for this ultra-player. However, a win at the Riviera is one of the few things that Woods has not accomplished. After winning The Masters last year, completing an amazing comeback from multiple back surgeries, Woods would love nothing more than to build momentum and perhaps repeat at The Masters this year.
19th Hole
As mentioned by many over the past recent years, golf has become less of a quiet and reserved sport. Instead, while retaining its traditions and dignity, it has become very fan-friendly and inviting for fans of all ages. Children of all ages accompany their parents, not only to the four days of play but also to the pre-tournament days to watch their favorite golfers practice and to interact with them as they make their way around the course. The golfers are also very appreciative of how the game has become more and more popular with the younger generation. When one watches, they can see many heartwarming interactions between fans and players. This, combined with a great weekend of golf, will make the Genesis Invitational a must-see. Fore!
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