Tiger Woods withdraws from Genesis Invitational, event moves to Torrey Pines
The 2025 Genesis Invitational has been hit with a double whammy of unexpected changes. Tiger Woods, the tournament host, has withdrawn from the event citing the recent loss of his mother. Additionally, the prestigious competition has been moved from its traditional home at Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines Golf Course due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Despite these setbacks, the tournament is still set to attract a star-studded field. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the pack as the betting favorite at +350, with Rory McIlroy hot on his heels at 7-1. Collin Morikawa (14-1) and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama (22-1) round out the top contenders.
The first round is scheduled to tee off on Thursday, February 13, at 12:30 p.m. ET. Golf enthusiasts and punters alike will be keeping a close eye on the grouping of Scheffler, Matsuyama, and Morikawa, who are set to start their campaign at 2:20 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Matsuyama's title defense carries added significance, as he aims to become the seventh repeat champion in the tournament's history and the first since Phil Mickelson's back-to-back victories in 2008-09.
While Scheffler's odds reflect his dominant 2024 season, which saw him rack up seven wins and 16 top-10 finishes, his recent form has been somewhat underwhelming by his lofty standards. A T-9 at Pebble Beach and T-25 at Phoenix suggest he might not be the lock that his odds imply.
For those looking for value, Shane Lowry at 40-1 presents an intriguing option. His runner-up finish at Pebble Beach earlier this month, coupled with impressive stats in putting and overall game, make him a dark horse worth considering.
As the tournament approaches, bettors and fans will be eagerly anticipating how these storylines unfold on the challenging Torrey Pines layout. With a mix of established stars and potential surprises, the 2025 Genesis Invitational promises to deliver excitement both on the course and in the betting markets.
