PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (WBTV) – A professional golfer from South Carolina won his first PGA Tour event over the weekend.
Jacob Bridgeman — who is from Inman, S.C. and went to Clemson University — won the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in California. The tournament had a loaded leaderboard, with some of the world’s best in contention.
Bridgeman finished the tournament at 18-under, one stroke ahead of Kurt Kitayama and the world’s second-ranked golfer, Rory McIlroy. Other big names like Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth finished in the top 12.
Bridgeman entered Sunday’s final round with a six-shot lead over McIlroy but saw that lead nearly evaporate. He shot 1-over for the day Sunday but knocked in a pressure-packed par putt on the 18th hole to secure the win.
“This is way, way better than I’ve ever dreamt it,” Bridgeman said of his first PGA win, while fighting back tears. “I made it about as hard as I could’ve made it I think at the end … But yeah, this is incredible.”
The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that golf legend Tiger Woods presented Bridgeman with the trophy. The Genesis Invitational is Woods’ signature event, although he did not play as he continues recovery from back surgery and an Achilles injury.
The 26-year-old has had a strong start to the 2026 season. He made the cut in all five events he has played so far, with three top 10 finishes. He has yet to finish outside the top 25 this year. His good play vaulted him to No. 20 in the latest world ranking.
Bridgeman first played on tour in 2022.
Next up on the PGA Tour schedule is the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, which will be played Thursday, Feb. 26 to Sunday, March 1. Bridgeman is slated to play in the event.
South Carolina native Jacob Bridgeman wrapped up his first PGA Tour victory on Feb. 22, 2026.(Caroline Brehman | AP)
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