Rahm resists and wins at Riviera; back to the top of golf

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jon Rahm returned to world No. 1 on Sunday by winning the Genesis Invitational golf tournament, with a performance that leaves no doubt as to who is playing at the best level.

Locked in a battle with local favorite Max Homa at the Riviera, Rahm delivered two big moments with a 45-foot birdie putt on the edge of the par-3 14th hole and a tee shot that left two feet for a birdie at 16, also by 3.

He closed with a streak of 69 shots, two under par, to close out his two-under win over Homa.

“Really amazing,” admitted Rahm. “(Winning) on ​​a course with this heritage, with a great history and organized by Tiger Woods, is a great honor.”

Patrick Cantlay came within a stroke on the back nine, until he suffered a bogey two. He closed with 67 to finish alone in third place, to be fourth in the world rankings.

Woods made four bogeys over an eight-hole span and shot 73 to tie in the 45th.

“Unfortunately my streak continues,” Woods admitted with a smile, referring to his 12 appearances at the Riviera as a professional, without ever winning.

Your success has been measured by your progress. It was the first time he had played 72 holes since the Masters in April last year. Woods has only played twice more since then, dealing with leg and back injuries that will lead to sporadic appearances on the PGA Tour. I didn’t know if he would play again before the Masters.