Max Homa hails his 'coolest ever' start to round of golf on Tiger Woods' return

Max Homa says his opening hole at Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational was the 'coolest way' he's ever begun a round of golf as he raced out of the blocks at Riviera. 

Homa knows this venue well having claimed his second PGA Tour victory here in February 2021. 

He's now got six titles and is in good position to claim his seventh after firing an opening round of 7-under 64. 

Related: Rory McIlroy's name butchered on first tee at Riviera

Homa's start was an entertaining one. The 32-year-old American started on the back nine and tried to drive the green at No. 10. 

His tee shot came up short and nestled in the thick rough at the 302-yard par-4. He then dumped his flop shot into the bunker. 

Homa was staring a bogey or worse in the face but then holed out to begin his round under par. 

He turned in 2-under 34, picked up strokes at No. 1 and No. 2 before finishing birdie-birdie-birdie to snatch the first round lead from Jon Rahm (65). 

Tiger Woods was making his comeback return to the PGA Tour, and like Homa, he finished with three straight birdies. 

You can check out the full R1 report of Woods' round here. 

Watch Homa's entertaining start here:

 

 

 

 

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Homa said: 

As for Rahm, he said the tournament felt like a major championship given the stacked field at the elevated event. 

His form has been ridiculous in 2023, having already won twice on the PGA Tour. Those victories were back-to-back. 

Is there anything sticking out for Rahm that isn't coming together as easily as everything else?

He said: 

Genesis Invitational leaderboard

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