Genesis Open: Power ranking the top 10 at Riviera

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PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Bubba Watson poses with the trophy after winning the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club on February 18, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

It’s hard to pick against a guy who’s won three of the last five Genesis Opens.

Bubba Watson won in 2014 (15-under) by two over Dustin Johnson, in 2016 (15-under) by one over Jason Kokrak and Adam Scott and in 2018 (12-under) by two over Kevin Na and Tony Finau.

Some courses seem to click with Bubba while others don’t. Chalk up Riviera as one that fits his eye.

"“You know, the course, it’s a beautiful course, it’s a beautiful layout and design, so the golf course is a beautiful design,” Watson said prior to the 2017 event. “I really enjoy that the shot-making ability, you know, when there’s not too high of rough where you can play shots. For a guy that doesn’t hit any fairways like myself, you can hit a lot of shots.”"

Watson’s first two starts of 2019 were lackluster, but he turned it around at another course that allows him to be creative in TPC Scottsdale. The 40-year-old finished T4 at the Phoenix Open (66-67-68-71). He hit over two-thirds of his fairways and is second this season on Tour in strokes gained off the tee.

The poa greens can level out the field in some ways and Watson’s short game is good enough to overcome any misses.

With a week of rest, Watson seems like a lock to post multiple rounds in the 60s this week.

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