2023 Genesis Invitational: Expert Picks and Predictions for Riviera

A week on from the first full-field ‘elevated’ event on the PGA Tour calendar in 2023, we get another ‘elevated’ event as the Tour heads back to Cali for the 2023 Genesis Invitational at the famed Riviera Country Club.

Last week’s field in Phoenix was strong; the field for the 2023 Genesis Invitational is another step up, in fact, outside of the four major championships this year, this week’s 129-man field at Riviera will likely be one of the strongest this season.

23 of the world’s top 25 players will be in attendance this week with only Cam Smith, and last year’s Genesis Invitational champion, Joaquin Niemann, absent after their departures to LIV. Aside from this summer’s U.S. Open at LA Country Club, this will be the final California stop on the PGA schedule this season.

The Genesis at Riviera is always one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and excitement levels for this week’s tournament went up another notch entirely after one, Tiger Woods, announced that he would return to action this week in Pacific Palisades for the first time since last summer’s 150th Open at St. Andrews.

It is all set up to be an enthralling week of action, so without further ado, here is who our experts are picking to win the third ‘elevated’ event of the year at the iconic Riviera Country Club.

Expert Picks and Predictions for the 2023 Genesis Invitational

Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm missed the opportunity to return to the top of the world rankings at last week’s WM Phoenix Open, but that hasn’t dissuaded our experts from going right back to the Spaniard once again this week.

Mike Randleman: “My pick is Jon Rahm. He’s been on fire lately and will close it out this week after coming close in the final group on Sunday in recent weeks.”

West Valentine: “The Genesis Invitational will be dominated by Tiger Woods. We’re all crazy to see him tee it up. But Tiger won’t win. Riviera is a favorite track among pros because it’s always in great condition and it isn’t particularly punitive, but demands shot-making. I think Jon Rahm is going to storm in like a mad Spanish bull this week and win.”

Tony Finau

Derek Helm: “Tony Finau has been striking the ball incredibly well. He’s gained a combined 17.9 strokes tee to green over his last two tournaments. I love his chances to win after being a runner-up at the Genesis twice in the last five years.”

Viktor Hovland

Josh Chandler: “I’m expecting big things from the talented Viktor Hovland this year. Despite an uninspiring start thus far in 2023, Riviera is the perfect locale for the endearing young talent to get going. It doesn’t hurt that he has finished 5th and 4th at Riviera in his last two starts. I like Viktor’s chances of going one step further and winning the Genesis Invitational this time around.”

Justin Thomas

Alana Bannan: “Justin Thomas had a nice Sunday at Waste Management, finishing in solo fourth and impressing with his drives. His strong iron game will also give him the edge this weekend. Sneaky pick: Max Homa. Four of his six PGA titles have been won in California.”

Rickie Fowler

Is Rickie Fowler on the verge of winning for the first time since the 2019 WM Phoenix Open? A couple of our experts believe this could be the week for Rickie.

Brendan Carberry: “The California native completes his return to the top back in his home state. With a refurbished swing and a rejuvenated swagger, Rickie captures his first win since 2019.“

Kathlene Bissell: “He’s from SoCal so maybe what he needs is a poa annua infusion to get into the winner’s circle.”