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Golfer Jacob Bridgeman added another “life-changing” moment to his growing list on Sunday.
The 26-year-old newlywed narrowly edged out Kurt Kitayama and Rory McIlroy by a single stroke to claim the top $4 million prize of the Genesis Invitational, his first PGA Tour triumph since turning pro in 2022.
Upon sinking his final putt on the par-4 18th at the Riviera Country Club in California, Bridgeman took in the exciting moment with his wife, Haley, whom he married in December.
“This is way, way better than I’ve ever dreamt it,” Bridgeman said.
Bridgeman entered Sunday’s fourth and final round with a six-shot lead after carding a 66 on Thursday and back-to-back 64s on Friday and Saturday.
He shot three bogeys across the final 18 holes for a 1-over par 72, giving him a total of 18-under.
“I pictured myself walking up that hole with a four-shot lead knowing that I’d won,” Bridgeman said. “Unfortunately for me, it was only a one-shot lead and it became a lot more nervous.”
The South Carolina native is now the first golfer to win at Riviera in his debut run since Adam Scott in 2005.
Sunday’s win adds to what’s been a milestone stretch for Bridgeman, who recently reflected on an “amazing” 2025 in a January Instagram post.
“2025 theme: Life Changing,” he began. “I am so grateful for such an amazing year. I accomplished things in golf that I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid. I competed with my heros [sic]. Developed and grew friendships. Was shown how incredible my support system around me is. And I had the best day of my life when I married my favorite person in the world.”
Bridgeman and Haley revealed their engagement in December 2024.
English (US)