Genesis Invitational Picks and Plays

For the 2nd time in 4 weeks the PGA Tour heads to Torrey Pines

I’m getting deja vu writing this article….. maybe because it feels like in some ways I already have? Due to the Southern California wildfires, we won’t get to watch golf at one of the best stops on tour, Riviera Country Club. Instead, will have to settle for another go around at Torrey Pines in beautiful La Jolla, California three weeks after Harris English claimed victory at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Harris English claimed his 5th win on the PGA Tour Jan 25th of this year

A combination of the North Course (1 round) and the South Course (3 rounds), it showed its teeth with the winning score coming in at 8 under par. We could see much of the same Thursday through Sunday with some longer rough in play and potential rain in the forecast to make a long golf course, even longer. The winds will be down from what we saw a month ago, but all four rounds will be at the tougher of the two courses…… the South.

SLEEPERS

Taylor Pendrith (+4500)

This is a classic guy that no one LOVES taking. There isn’t much sexy to him but Pendrith’s current form would say otherwise. He currently stands at 15 cuts made in a row and has two top 10 finishes in his last two times playing Torrey Pines, including a T-7 finish a few weeks back.

USA Today

Driving the ball well is priority No. 1 this week, and Pendrith has done that as well as anyone through four starts this season. He's third in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and fifth in total driving (distance + accuracy). This week you better be either very accurate or way off because anything in the middle you will find that rough that you want no part of.

Jake Knapp (+30000)

Jake was about to take a Knapp this week until a Tiger Woods WD got him into the field. He has to be excited about this opportunity because he has been playing some pretty decent golf as of late and perhaps his game is about to take off at a course where he’s got history.

Pro Golf Weekly

Ironically enough, we first got introduced to him on a national level during last year’s (2024) Farmer’s Insurance Open when he was in contention and knocking on the door for his first PGA Tour victory. He ended up taking T-3 and the buzz about his effortless swing was all over social media. He enters this week in a quieter manner hoping to regain some of the magic. His length won’t be an issue but his accuracy off the tee might. He currently ranks 158th in total driving. But as I previously stated, if you’re going to miss fairways, MISS THEM BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD this week. Can you do that for us Jake?

Picks to Win

Collin Morikawa (+1400)

The 2025 PGA Tour season is still in its infancy, but it is no surprise that he’s leading the PGA TOUR in fairways hit, greens in regulation and Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. Solo third here in 2023; T4 at the U.S. Open and back in his home state of California there is just too much to like about him.

Golfweek

Does he have the horsepower that Scottie and Rory have? Well no, but he will put the ball in play and give himself opportunities to score when the situations present themselves. Not known as a great putter, he will have to battle the poa and hope that his flatstick is an asset this week and not a buzzkill.

Ludvig Aberg (+2500)

Always…..bet….on…..talent. Ludvig comes into this week still in the doghouse for many people. He figuratively and literally threw up all over himself at the Farmers, and then WD’d at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am the following week, and so his recent form is anything but dialed. However, I’m chalking that up to the sickness, because his actual game is “SICK” like the kids say. Even though he comes in with a few recent hiccups, he fits this golf course really well.

The Golfing Gazette

It’s hard to lack confidence when your swing is perfect, your smile is perfect, and your frame is perfect. Am I right? A healthy Ludvig is an absolute PROBLEM for the field and I think he’s back for vengeance on the South Course and ready to kick ass and take names.

Although I am going to miss seeing Riviera as well as Tiger for that matter, I am excited for the week of golf and think it’s going to be a great tournament. Strong field, major championship venue, and plenty of coverage to watch. Let’s just hope that one of these picks can get me off the schneid.