As the sun set on Riviera Country Club in February’24, Hideki Matsuyama, the first-ever Japanese golfer to win the Masters, delivered a masterclass in precision golf. His tournament-record final round 62 included two approach shots that left the golf world stunned—landing within 8 inches and 6 inches on the 15th and 16th holes, respectively, sealing his historic ninth PGA Tour victory. But there was one thing that he did not get. A little something special that comes with the win.

A photo with the tournament host. Woods had withdrawn from the event because of influenza so he was not there on Sunday. One year later, the defending champion’s hopes of recreating that magic have taken an unexpected turn. The Genesis Invitational, traditionally hosted at Riviera, has relocated to Torrey Pines due to California wildfires. The venue change initially brought extra anticipation as tournament host Tiger Woods confirmed his participation, marking what would have been his first PGA Tour start since the 2024 Open Championship. The story, however soon took a different direction.

Just three days after confirming his participation, Woods withdrew from the event. “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” Woods shared in his withdrawal statement. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.” The 15x major winner won’t be playing, but he will be there as the tournament host, probably on Sunday for the trophy and prize money ceremony. With Matsuyama returning as the defending champion, his quest for back-to-back titles carries additional meaning. Yes, not many players have done it, but he hopes to get that photo, he did not last year.

“Obviously I’m looking forward to defend my title this week and I’ve heard some rumor that Tiger might be here this Sunday, so hopefully I get that trophy and get that picture with him this week,” he shared. After his 2024 win, the Japanese golfer met with Woods at the Masters. The 82x Tour winner gave him a big smile and congratulated him. “So, that kind of made it extra special, that winning at Riviera,” Matsuyama reflected on the experience.

via Reuters

Woods’ connection to the Genesis Invitational runs deep—serving as tournament host through his TGR Foundation since 2017. This year, if he had played, it would mark his first PGA Tour start since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, a potential return to competitive golf now delayed as he processes this personal loss.

While the personal narrative of loss and respect takes center stage this week, the venue itself adds another compelling dimension to this year’s Genesis Invitational.

The tournament’s relocation to Torrey Pines adds another layer to this story. This coastal venue holds special significance in Woods’s career, where he has claimed eight professional victories, including seven Farmers Insurance Open titles and the legendary 2008 U.S. Open. That U.S. Open victory, achieved on a broken leg and torn knee ligaments, stands as one of golf’s most heroic performances. Between 1999 and 2013, Woods won nearly half of his 18 starts at Torrey Pines, including a remarkable streak of five consecutive wins from 2005 to 2008.

Despite Woods’s absence, his tournament’s impact reaches beyond the ropes. Through his TGR Foundation, the Genesis Invitational continues its community focus, announcing an $8 million donation to California wildfire relief efforts. The tournament maintains its signature event status, featuring an elevated purse and a limited field of 70 elite players.

For Matsuyama, who spent two focused days preparing for this venue change, the challenge extends beyond the physical demands of Torrey’s South Course. The coastal conditions, with heavy air near the ocean and variable winds, present a different test than Riviera’s kikuyu grass and canyon-influenced breezes. Yet these same conditions once showcased Woods’ strategic brilliance, as evidenced by his course record of 62 set in 1999.

The Japanese golfer finished T32 at the Farmers Insurance Open, held at the same venue. What will his result be this time around? Will he finally get that photograph, and that trophy?