The 2022-23 PGA TOUR Season is underway, wrapping up one of the FedEx Cup qualifying tournaments this past weekend. The Genesis Invitational is one of only 5 tournaments given “invitational” status by the PGA TOUR. Here’s what that means and all the details for this tournament.

History

The Genesis Invitational is a PGA TOUR tournament in southern California. Its inaugural competition was played in 1926 and was known as the Los Angeles Open. It’s been hosted by many names, and only recently became the Genesis Invitation in 2020. The tournament was held at various courses before the decision to host “permanently” at the Riviera Country Club in 1973 with the exceptions of the 1983 and 1998 tournaments.

The Genesis Invitational’s "invitational" status means its field of players is reduced to 120 vs. the standard full-field 156 players. The other four tournaments with invitational status are the Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, Charles Schwab Challenge, and the Memorial Tournament. The Genesis Invitational’s history includes many of the golfing greats’ first outings, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, and recognition of minority golfers with the Charlie Sifford Memorial exemption in honor of the first African-American golf on the Tour.

In 2015, the tournament hosted its first Collegiate Showcase, allowing young golfers a shot at getting into the full field tournament. The Genesis Invitational continues to build a reputation for exciting and innovative golfing, with the 2022 tournament hosting the top 11 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Charity

Recently, the Genesis Invitational’s proceeds have been devoted to benefitting the educational programs of the TGR Foundation in Southern California. Founded by Tiger Woods, the TGR Foundation empowers students to pursue their passions through education. With the help of the tournament, the TGR Learning Lab and Earl Woods Scholar program can help these students learn, grow, and thrive.

The 2023 Genesis Invitational

This year’s tournament was an exciting showing! Nineteen of the world’s top twenty golfers competed this year for a $3.6 million first-place prize. Jon Rahm took home the victory this year with a strong finish. After losing the lead on the 12^th hole, Rahm sank a 46ft putt on the 14^th and dropped his drive within 2ft of the flag on the 16^th to make birdie.

Additionally, Rahm also received 550 FedExCup points for winning the Genesis Invitational. Since 2007, golfers have competed in a season-long points competition with $75 million in bonus money known as the FedExCup. These points lead up to the FedExCup Playoffs in August, which distinguishes the one player who not only performs well during the regular season, but also excels through the pressure of the playoffs. Rahm is currently in first place.

EyePromise partner Lee Hodges also competed in the tournament, tying for 18^th after falling short in the final 2 rounds.

We can feel the excitement of this year’s PGA TOUR ramping up! Follow along as we continue to track our partners’ tournament participation throughout the 2023 season!