Hideki Matsuyama has produced one of the great final rounds on the PGA Tour to win the Genesis Invitational.
The Japanese started Sunday's play six shots adrift of leader Patrick Cantlay and having not scored better than a 68 in his previous three rounds.
However, the 2021 Masters champion sensationally hit nine birdies during a faultless closing 18 holes to seal the title with a round of 62.
Matsuyama's success is all the more impressive that, on three occasions, he put together runs of three successive birdies, including on the final holes of the tournament.
History for @HidekiOfficial_.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2024
62 is the lowest final-round score at Riviera in a PGA TOUR event. pic.twitter.com/VCnsuMEYGq
Victory for Matsuyama is his first for over two years on the PGA Tour, with the 31-year-old denying Will Zalatoris and Luke List who needed to eagle the par-five 17th to have any chance of forcing a playoff.
They instead had to make do with a share of second spot, three shots adrift of Matsuyama, with Cantlay placing alongside Xander Schauffele and Adam Hadwin in a share of fourth.
World number one Scottie Scheffler had to make do with a tie for 10th after a final-round 68, making it the eighth tournament in succession where he has finished inside the top 21.
Tommy Fleetwood was the best of the English contingent, hitting a 67 to also finish joint-10th, while Rory McIlroy ended the tournament with a round of 70 to secure a share of 24th spot.
Darren Plant
