Former Clemson Star Jacob Bridgeman Wins First PGA Tour Title at Genesis Invitational

Bridgeman holds on for victory at iconic Riviera Country Club course in Los Angeles

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Former two-time Clemson All-American Jacob Bridgeman shot a final round 72 to win the 100th playing of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA. Bridgeman won the event on the par 71 course with a 72-hole score of 18-under-par 266, one shot better than Kurt Kitayama and Rory McIlroy.

Why it matters

This is Bridgeman’s first win on the PGA Tour, coming against a stacked field that included 18 of the top 20 and 41 of the top 50 players in the world. The victory vaults the former Clemson standout to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and marks the biggest professional win of his career so far.

The details

Bridgeman had a six-shot lead entering the final round after opening with rounds of 66-64-64 to reach 19-under par. He extended his lead to seven shots early on Sunday, but struggled down the stretch, playing the final 12 holes in 3-over par. Kitayama and McIlroy gained ground, but Bridgeman was able to hang on and secure the win with a par on the 72nd hole.

  • Bridgeman won the ACC Tournament as a Clemson Tiger in April of 2022.
  • The 100th Genesis Invitational was held on February 22-23, 2026.

The players

Jacob Bridgeman

A former two-time All-American at Clemson University who won his first PGA Tour event at the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

Kurt Kitayama

A PGA Tour player who finished runner-up to Bridgeman at the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

Rory McIlroy

The world’s number-two ranked player who also finished runner-up to Bridgeman at the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

Tiger Woods

The tournament host who presented the trophy to Bridgeman after his victory.

Larry Penley

Bridgeman’s head coach at Clemson for his first three collegiate seasons.

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What they’re saying

“This is way better than I ever dreamed. I thought it was going to be a lot easier. It was early, until I had the putt on 16. Then it got really hard. I made it as hard as I could have.”

— Jacob Bridgeman (Golf on CBS)

“I couldn’t feel my hands on the last couple of greens. On the last putt I just wanted to hit it somewhere near the hole and I left it a mile short. But, fortunately I made the final putt. I am glad it is over.”

— Jacob Bridgeman (Golf on CBS)

What’s next

Bridgeman will look to build on his first PGA Tour victory and continue his strong start to the 2026 season. He currently leads the FedEx Cup standings and will be one of the favorites heading into the upcoming major championships.

The takeaway

Bridgeman’s win at the Genesis Invitational is a testament to the strength of the Clemson golf program, which has now produced major champions at both the PGA Tour and U.S. Amateur levels. The victory also highlights the continued rise of young American talent on the global golf stage.