FedEx Cup leader reveals why he's removed himself from Tiger Woods' event

FedEx Cup leader Matthieu Pavon has decided to bypass this week's $20m Genesis Invitational hosted by Tiger Woods because he wants to "recharge the batteries" following a successful start to his rookie PGA Tour season. 

Pavon, 31, has surged to the top of the FedEx Cup standings after becoming the first Frenchman to win on the PGA Tour with victory at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines last month. 

He then quickly followed up on that with a solid solo third at the weather-shortened AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. 

Pavon earned his playing privileges on the PGA Tour for the first time this season as a result of picking up a card through the DP World Tour in 2023. 

But after enjoying the most successful spell of his professional career thus far, Pavon not only decided to skip last week's controversial WM Phoenix Open but also this week's Genesis Invitational at famed Riviera. 

The decision may come as a surprise to some, especially given Pavon's form and the fact there is a $20m prize fund at the Genesis Invitational with the winner earning $4m.

He told Golf Planete the reason is not because of injury but because he wants to spend more time with his family and work on both his game and fitness. 

Pavon said last week: 

Pavon would have qualified for this week's third Signature Event of the PGA Tour season as a result of being ranked first in The Aon Swing 5 list.

That is how last week's runner-up Charley Hoffman earned an exemption into Woods' event. 

Woods, who is acting as tournament host, is making his official PGA Tour comeback having been out of action since April 2023. 

The 15-time major champion is repping his new Sun Day Red apparel and footwear. 

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