Jacon Bridgeman stood proudly with his trophy at The Genesis Invitational, a moment that marked his first PGA Tour victory at the iconic Riviera Country Club in California. Bridgeman's final round of 1-over 72 was enough to hold off seasoned competitors like Rory McIlroy and Kurt Kitayama.
"I got one thing. He's got all the other ones, but I've got one." 😂
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) February 23, 2026
Wins at Riviera:
Jacob Bridgeman: 1
Tiger Woods: 0 pic.twitter.com/PWkA0lJlhP
Adding a touch of magic to his win was a congratulatory nod from his childhood hero, Tiger Woods, who hosted the tournament. In a heartfelt exchange captured by Golf Digest, Bridgeman shared what Woods told him.
“I don't know what he said when I first walked up the hill,” Bridgeman recounted. “But as we walked down, he talked about the incredible atmosphere, the amphitheater, and the 18th hole.
He joked, ‘You got one on me,’ since he’s never won here.” Bridgeman couldn't help but chuckle, acknowledging the legend's unmatched achievements.
Woods, at 50, has had a storied career but The Genesis Invitational has always eluded him, with his closest finishes being tied for second in 1998 and 1999.
For the 26-year-old Bridgeman, this victory is more than just a trophy-it's a source of motivation, especially with Woods witnessing his triumph. Bridgeman admitted the final hole was nerve-wracking, but meeting the 15-time major champion was another level of awe.
“My earliest golf memories are of watching him on TV,” Bridgeman reflected. “While he was dominating, I was just learning to talk and play golf. I'm still in awe of him.”
With Woods now aware of his talent, Bridgeman’s nerves are likely a thing of the past. And the $4 million prize certainly sweetens the deal.