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Stefan Tonev
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Rahm returns to world number one, Woods tied for 45th place
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The Spaniard won the title at Genesis Invitational

Spain’s Jon Rahm returned to the top of the world rankings with his third win of the year at the Genesis Invitational, prevailing in a tense final-round battle with Max Homa to claim a dramatic victory in Pacific Palisades, California.

The 28-year-old Rahm used two late birdies to close with a two-under 69 for a two-shot win over home favorite Homa, finishing at 17-under for his 10th PGA Tour title and a fifth win in his last nine tournaments worldwide.

Rahm grabbed his third US PGA Tour title of 2023 after wins at the Tournament of Champions and the American Express in La Quinta, California.

It was his fifth win in his last nine worldwide starts, a run that included his third Spanish Open triumph in October and victory in the DP World Tour Championship in November.

Rahm was thrilled to capture the 10th US tour title of his career at Riviera Country Club, the classic course west of downtown Los Angeles that has produced such champions as Ben Hogan but where, Rahm noted, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have never won.

“I can’t really explain it,” the delighted Spaniard said.

“If you tell me on the ninth tee after that tee shot that I was going to be one back on 13 tee, I wouldn’t believe you because I was feeling that good. But it’s golf and this golf course can get you.”

Former world number one Tiger Woods, who hosted this week’s event, was in the spotlight as he returned to competition for the first time since missing the cut at the British Open.

The 15-time major champion, still limited by the severe right leg injuries he suffered in a February 2021 car accident, carded a final-round 73 to finish on one-under 283, tied for 45th.

“It’s progress, but I didn’t win,” said Woods, who reiterated that he’s targeting the four major championships and perhaps “a couple” of other events this season — the most his surgically repaired leg will allow.

“It certainly was a little bit more difficult than I probably let on,” added Woods, who goes through an elaborate ice-bath recovery protocol between each round to allow him to continue.

“It’s hard. The body is sometimes saying ‘no’ even though the mind says ‘yes.'”