Bubba Watson earns first tournament win in almost two years at Genesis Open

February 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Bubba Watson tips his visor on the 18th green after winning the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
February 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
Bubba Watson putting on the 18th green for the win during final round of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

Pacific Palisades, CA – After years of self doubt and hard work, an emotional Bubba Watson claims the 2018 Genesis Open title.

“I have so many feelings going through my head right now,’” said Watson.

Watson played a brilliant 4 days of golf and with a care-free look to his game, he looked in control, like Watson had fans accustomed to seeing him. It’s his third win at Riviera Country Club (2014, 2016, 2018).

Watson was able to grab a hold of the lead on hole 13 when the home-grown and UCLA product  Patrick Cantlay bogeyed. Watson was able to hold his par to keep him at -10.

February 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
Bubba Watson plays his shot from the 17th tee during final round day of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

On the next whole, Watson created a bit of separation after hitting a quality Birdie from the bunker on the left side of the hole.  Watson then birdied hole 15 to comfortably take him into 18 with zero doubt of who’d be hoisting up the trophy.

“My goal has always been to get 10 wins and so this got to my 10th win. I thought about retirement; just so much stuff going through my head right now, I can’t believe I’m gonna life a trophy here in a second,” added Watson.

It was a day where many golfers played well enough and a clear winner was never highlighted.

February 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
Patrick Cantlay on the 18th green during final round day of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

Another left-handed giant in the game made a run himself. Phil Mickelson just one shot back from the lead after 14 holes. Two consecutive bogeys slid Mickelson further away from the lead and finished tied for 6th place.

Jordan Spieth ended the tournament much better than he began. He 67 on his final round to earn him a top 10 finish.

February 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
Dustin Johnson on the third hole during final round day of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

Reigning tournament champion Dustin Johnson finished tied for 16th.

Las Vegas and Los Angeles native Kevin Na made a strong run for the trophy but fell just short and took home 2nd place.

February 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
Kevin Na on the fourth green during final round day of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 18, 2018. Jevone Moore