Rory McIlroy says 'I think that I'm close' after Genesis Invitational ends with Hideki Matsuyama victory

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama fired a stunning final round of 62 to win the Genesis Invitational and secure his ninth PGA Tour title – with Rory McIlroy tied 24th.
By PA & Patrick Van Dort
Published 19th Feb 2024, 00:17 BST
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy closed out with 70.

Birdies arrived across the first, second, 11th and 17th holes – with bogey scores over the fourth, fifth and 14th for a five-under total.

McIlroy had carded five birdies and three bogeys in a mixed round of 69 on Saturday to sit tied in 27th place on four under.

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He followed a 74 on the opening day with a second-round 66 around the Riviera Country Club.

“I think that I’m close...I’m not quite where I want to be,” McIlroy told CBS. “It’s one of these courses where you know that precision is so important and putting your ball in the right areas and if you’re just slightly off your weaknesses sort of get magnified this week.”

Matsuyama carded nine birdies at Riviera Country Club to finish 17 under par, overturning a six-shot deficit to overnight leader Patrick Cantlay to claim his first win in two years.

The former Masters champion birdied his first three holes in a front nine of 32 and started the back nine with another hat-trick of gains to move into a five-way tie for the lead.

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But the best was yet to come as the former world number two – who had slipped to 55th in the rankings – hit his approach to the 15th to eight inches, his tee shot on the next even closer and also birdied the 17th to effectively seal victory with several groups still out on the course.

“I wasn’t striking the ball really well but my chipping and putting was working a lot this week, especially the second shot on 15 was one of the best I had. That really helped,” Matsuyama said through an interpreter.

“I think it’s really important for me to keep this momentum, especially going to Augusta, so hopefully I can keep that.”

Will Zalatoris and Luke List shared second place on 14 under par, List having held a two-shot lead on 16 under after racing to the turn in 30, only to struggle home in 38.

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Zalatoris carded four birdies and two bogeys in his closing 69, while 54-hole leader Cantlay could only manage a final round of 72, which included a birdie from 50 feet on the 18th.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for 10th after a closing 67.

Related topics:Rory McIlroyMastersJapanNorthern Ireland