“We don't need to freak out” - Max Homa confident about another solid L.A. outing at Genesis Invitational

Homa started well with the Genesis Invitational, forgetting a lousy finish at last week's WM Phoenix Open (the worst since August 2022).

Homa shot the first round of 7-under 64 on Thursday at the Riveria Golf Club. Having already won one tournament this year, Homa hopes to add a few more this season.

When his coach and caddie began discussing solutions at Riveria Country Club, Homa didn't seem to panic as he assured them there was nothing to panic about.

“Everything feels good, we don't need to freak out here.”

Max Homa always had the talent, but a poor finish used to dent his hopes. He is trying to change that. He started well at one of his favorite events, as he is one stroke ahead of tournament favorite Jon Rahm and two ahead of Matt Kuchar.

Homa began with a birdie on the par-4 10th by holing a bunker shot and finished with three straight birdies. Overall, he hit eight birdies and made just one bogey on Thursday.

For Homa, Genesis Invitational is his dearest tournament outside the majors as he grew up in the vicinity and has followed the tournament since childhood. Tiger Woods, who is his idol, hosts the event. The 2021 trophy was presented to him by Tiger himself.

The 32-year-old is in good form this year. With two wins already this season, he is second in the FedExCup standings, only behind Jon Rahm. His two victories have come at the Fortinet Championship and Farmers Insurance Open.

“There's days where you shoot 2 under and you feel like you got everything out of it. Today I felt like I had it. I was very proud to go around this place and show that, because I did feel good. I felt good on the range, I felt good yesterday," Homa explained.

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Tiger Woods impresses with his return at Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods made his return on Tour with Genesis Invitational

After a long absence, Tiger Woods made his comeback on the PGA Tour at the Genesis Invitational on Thursday. He took his time to compose himself before making a remarkable finish with three successive birdies in the final three holes, ultimately finishing the first day at the Genesis Invitational at 2-under.

Woods concluded the first round at the Riviera Country Club in a tie for 27th place, outpacing competitors such as Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Although Woods managed to hit some impressive long drives, including one that covered 338 yards, he recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas, such as his accuracy off the tee since he was only able to hit six of the 14 fairways.

Tournament favorite Jon Rahm scored a 6-under 65, finishing at No. 3 on Thursday. Keith Mitchell tops the leaderboard alongside Homa, holing five birdies on the back nine.

Collin Morikawa came back stronger, overcoming the Waste Management Phoenix Open Demons where he failed to make the cut last week. He shot a first round of 5-under 66 on Thursday with two straight birdies in the last two holes. He is in T-4 along with Matt Kuchar and Harris English.