Tiger Woods 'disappoints' Hideki Matsuyama after Genesis Invitational winner snubbed

Tiger Woods 'disappoints' Hideki Matsuyama after Genesis Invitational winner snubbed

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 19/02/2024

- 08:26

Updated: 19/02/2024

- 08:26

Tiger Woods has hosted the Genesis Invitational since 2017 and was making his first appearance at the event in the playing field since 2020.

Hideki Matsuyama has revealed he was left a "little disappointed" that Tiger Woods was not there for his trophy presentation at the Genesis Invitational.

The Japanese star started the final round six shots behind overnight leader Patrick Cantlay.


But he carded an incredible nine-under 62 - one shot shy of the course record - to complete a remarkable fightback and clinch the Genesis Invitational title.

He finished three shots ahead of second-place Will Zalatoris with Cantlay dropping back to 13-under for the tournament.

Hideki Matsuyama pulled off an incredible win at the Genesis Invitational

Hideki Matsuyama pulled off an incredible win at the Genesis Invitational

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Woods would have usually been present to hand over the trophy to Matsuyama afterward as the tournament host.

The 15-time major winner made his playing return to Riviera this week, but he was forced to pull out of the tournament due to illness on Friday.

It was initially unclear whether Woods was going to return on Sunday to hand over the trophy to the winner, but he didn't show in the end.

And Matsuyama has admitted he was slightly gutted at not having the golf legend present to hand him over his prize.

"To win in this tournament was one of my goals ever since I became pro," he said.

"After Tiger being the host, that goal became a lot more bigger.

"A little disappointed that I wasn't able to take a picture with Tiger today."

Woods did congratulate Matsuyama on social media, admitting he was gripped by the action all day.

He wrote: "Congratulations to @hidekiofficial_ on an incredible win at @thegenesisinv.

"I was watching all day and seeing a record breaking 62 and coming from six shots back is truly special."

Woods confirmed that he was diagnosed with influenza after his withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational.

Tiger Woods usually presents the trophy as the tournament host

Tiger Woods usually presents the trophy as the tournament host

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There was initial fears that the 48-year-old has suffered another injury setback when he was carted off the course on Friday with ambulances back at the clubhouse.

But Woods' team insisted there was no issue with his back with suggestions he'll be back playing soon.

Matsuyama's victory at the Genesis Invitational also saw him surpass KJ Choi as the most prolific Asian player on the PGA Tour with his ninth victory.

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Tiger Woods pulled out of the Genesis Invitational on Friday

Tiger Woods pulled out of the Genesis Invitational on Friday

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"Reaching nine wins was one of my big goals, passing KJ Choi," he added.

"After my eighth win I've been struggling with my back injury.

"There were a lot of times where I felt, you know, I was never going to win again.

"I struggled reaching to top-10, but I'm really happy that I was able to win today."

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