Following a nearly three-hour rain delay at the Genesis Invitational, players were forced to regroup, reset, and battle through challenging conditions at Riviera Country Club. Wind and wet greens tested even the most seasoned competitors, turning Thursday into a grind.
While some players managed to complete their opening rounds before sunset, others returned Friday morning to finish their remaining holes, finalize their first-round scores, and quickly shifting their focus to Round 2.
Among those grinding through the unusual Southern California weather was former champion Max Homa, who now looks to build momentum as the tournament continues at a course that has long felt like home.
Max Homa’s History at Riviera
Currently ranked World No. 148, Homa has experienced both the highs and lows of professional golf. Not long ago, he sat as high as No. 5 in the world, establishing himself as one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent and confident competitors.
Though in recent seasons he has struggled, Homa has continued pushing toward that level of greatness. If he intends to spark a meaningful bounce-back season heading into 2026, a strong showing this week at the Genesis Invitational would be the perfect place to start.
Historically, Homa has thrived at Riviera. A Los Angeles native, he grew up attending the tournament as a child. He has often cited Riviera Country Club as his favorite course. That emotional connection has translated into impressive results.
In 2021, he captured the title. In 2023, he finished runner-up. And since 2019, he hasn’t placed worse than 16th at this event. Few players can match that level of consistency at Riviera, and those past performances provide plenty of optimism as the tournament unfolds.
Homa’s 2021 triumph was anything but easy. The 35-year-old secured the victory in a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Tony Finau. Locked in a tense battle, Homa ultimately won thanks to two clutch pars in the playoff holes, displaying control while under serious pressure. The win was not only significant professionally, but personally as well.
“I don’t know if I could ever do anything cooler in golf than this,” Homa said after his victory. “Tiger Woods is handing us a trophy, that’s a pretty crazy thought. We grew up idolizing him, idolizing Riviera Country Club, idolizing the golf tournament.”
“It’s truly a dream come true,” he added. “My dad’s been bringing me here since I was basically a baby. Yeah, I think 8-year-old Max would be pretty darn proud.”
The Genesis Invitational
At the end of Round 1, Homa found himself tied for 27th after shooting 1-under par. Considering the rain delays and heavy winds, it was a solid start. However, only 50 of the 72 golfers will advance, making every stroke critical as conditions remain unpredictable.
As of now, first place is held in a five-way tie, but as round 2 kicks off, players like Aaron Rai, Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, Min Woo Lee, and Marco Penge are fighting for the top spot. With plenty of golf still left to play, momentum can shift quickly. Anything can happen out on the course, including a surge up the leaderboard from Max Homa.
Max Homa Battles Through Rain Delay at Genesis Invitational