Hometown Hero Max Homa Wins 2021 Genesis Invitational

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Los Angeles native Max Homa won the 2021 Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club Sunday, his first ever victory at the competition and his second PGA Tour win. Homa hit for par on the second playoff hole, defeating Tony Finau in the process.

The victory nearly slipped away from the hometown hero, who missed a 3 foot putt on the first playoff hole that would have given him the win. Finau, however, missed another short putt just after, giving Homa the chance to take home the victory on the ensuing hole.

An emotional champion fought back tears during a postgame interview reflecting on the day.

"I've been watching this tournament my whole life," he said. "It's why i fell in love with golf. Tiger is another reason I'm into golf, had good feelings this week and was playing great. City of champions, Dodgers, Lakers and me now. It's a weird feeling."

Homa shot a 66 on Sunday, after hitting 66, 70, and 70 in the first three rounds, respectively. The golfer was born in Burbank, less than 30 miles from Riviera Country Club. As a kid, he attended the tournament on a yearly basis, making the victory that much more special for him and his caddie Joe Greiner, who has long been one of Homa's best friends.

"We always talked about how much the West Coast swing means to us," Homa said on his podcast. "They all feel like home events. Palm Springs feels like a home event, obviously Scottsdale feels like a home event... L.A. is a home event. There's a slight difference... The place means a lot to both of us.