"It’s been cool": Max Homa feeling 'comfortable' at Genesis International

Max Homa, who is currently ranked 12, his career-best World Golf Rankings, has found himself at the top of the leaderboard at the Genesis Invitational.

Homa was in first place after 36 holes at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Golf Club for the second time in three years at 10-under par.

Speaking at a press conference, Homa shared how much he was feeling 'comfortable' at the tournament and said:

"This golf course in particular does suit me really well. It suits a lot of the shots I like to hit. That’s my best estimation. I enjoy that it seems to work well in these tournaments because they’ve been big events. San Diego, here, it’s been cool to feel comfortable on two major golf courses with major fields."

Max Homa shakes hands with Jon Rahm at the 2023 Genesis Invitational - Round Three

Despite finishing bogey, Max Homa recorded a 3-under 68 on Friday, giving him a one-stroke lead over Keith Mitchell, Jon Rahm, and Lee Hodges, who are tied for second at 9-under 133. Collin Morikawa, a resident of La Caada, is alone in third place at 8 under par, followed by Patrick Cantlay (67), who is one shot back, and Rory McIlroy (69), who is four strokes back.

Max Homa shot an even par on the front nine before going on to birdie three of his first four holes on the back nine. Homa birdied hole 17 to go to 11 under after sinking an 18-foot putt to save par on the par-3 16th hole. On 18, though, a bad tee shot prevented him from getting to the green with his second ball, which resulted in a bogey.

Rahm also bogeyed 18, and like Homa, he scored mostly on the back nine. The highlight was an unlikely eagle on the par-5 17th, when Rahm's 5-wood from 270 yards sailed over the green, hit the base of a grandstand next to it, rolled along the edge of a bunker, and settled within a few feet of the pin. Rahm birdied holes 13, 14, and 16, but the highlight was an improbable eagle on the par-3 12th.

Max Homa is pretty optimistic about his game and the prospects of winning this weekend as he knows there is a lot of golf to be played in the next couple of days.

Woods at the 2023 Genesis Invitational - Round Three

Tiger Woods will participate over the weekend even if his performance is poor and he receives more attention for a childish joke than a frigid putt. Woods concluded with three bogeys over his final four holes to finish with a score of 74, his lowest since the British Open last summer.

Woods was 11 strokes behind Homa at 1-over 143, but will undoubtedly make the cut when the second round is over early on Saturday. The round was delayed by darkness for the second consecutive day.

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Max Homa's career in recent years

While it might be a little unsettling to sleep in the lead, Homa said he feels much more at ease this time around than he did in 2021. His performances on the PGA Tour since winning the Genesis championship two years ago are probably the cause of his composure.

After defeating Tony Finau in 2021, Homa was victorious in the tournament back then. According to Homa, this was a victory that made him 'fall in love' with golf.

Max Homa with The Genesis Invitational trophy in 2021

Homa has improved his game significantly over the past two years, winning four competitions, most recently the Farmers Insurance Open last month. He is also one of the key players in the 2021 United States President's Cup squad.

Four of Max Homa's six career victories have come in his native state, where he feels most at ease. When asked how he has been able to play so well in California, Homa responded that it all starts with his familiarity with the Poa Annua Greens.