"The Genesis Invitational is back at Riviera Country Club after last year's detour to Torrey Pines because of the wildfires, and that changes everything. Torrey asked players to survive around 12 under, while Riviera usually demands closer to 17 to win. Same "hard course" label -- but completely different scoring pressure. Here, you still need elite irons and touch around the greens, but you also have to convert."
"Deki is one of the few guys I'm comfortable stepping up to a Top 10 for this week -- because he spikes. Matsuyama's whole game is built for hard golf courses. He's elite with his irons, top ten in the field from tee to green, first around the greens and one of the best scramblers on tour. All that means is when Hideki misses the green, he saves himself, which keeps rounds alive and prevents big numbers."
The tournament returns to Riviera, which typically requires closer to 17 under to win versus roughly 12 under at Torrey Pines, creating very different scoring pressure despite both being labeled "hard courses." Success at Riviera requires elite iron play, precise approach shots that create birdie looks, short-game touch to save par when greens are missed, and the ability to convert momentum. Riviera is iron-first and Poa-sensitive, separating the field via tee-to-green consistency. The pricing board is unattractive with juiced Top 20s and reluctance to pay Top 10 tax. Hideki Matsuyama presents a Top 10 target due to his irons and scrambling ability, though volatility exists.
Read at ESPN.com
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