Genesis Open: Power ranking the top 10 at Riviera

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PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Tiger Woods plays his shot from the bunker on the ninth hole during the first round of the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club on February 15, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Most golfers would gladly take Tiger Woods’ resume at Riviera. For him, the Genesis Open hasn’t been anything special.

Despite being a California kid, he’s only played this event 10 times in his two decade-plus career. Now that his foundation is a sponsor, he’s going to appear on a regular basis.

Last year was his first appearance since 2006. Woods missed the cut with rounds of 72-76.

In his career at the Genesis, Woods’ best finish was a T2 in 1999, which is one of three top-10s and seven top-20s.

The Big Cat comes into the week well-rested after taking the last two weeks off. He looked a little rusty but showed some good things in his 2019 debut, a T20 against a tough field at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Using 2017-18 PGA Tour statistics, Woods was third in strokes gained approach and second from 175-200 yards. He’s still got his superior scrambling abilities (11th in strokes gained around the green).

It’ll come down to finding the fairway. He’s still generating enough club head speed to where distance isn’t a problem, but he was 127th in driving accuracy.

Not having a win at Riviera can’t sit well with Tiger, so I expect the 43-year-old to come out firing while the time is still ripe.

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