Holmes solves Genesis Open conundrum to clinch title

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After a few rain interruptions and several delays as well as postponements, the Genesis Open finally got over with John Bradley Holmes having the last laugh from a star-studded field. Holmes won the title at Riviera Club by a solitary stroke after the previous two rounds' leader Justin Thomas blew a four-stroke lead after being badly affected by winds that wreaked havoc on the greens.

Thomas, who was in the joint lead on Day 2 and a sat alone atop the leaderboard on Day 3, started the final round in a commanding position.

However, he saw a quick change of fortune with his comfortable lead going after just six holes. He eventually finished at four-over-par 75.

The gusty winds did make things difficult for Holmes as well, but he withstood the unwelcoming interventions to par the final two holes for a one-under-par 70. That was more than enough for the 36-year-old American to bag his fifth career victory on the PGA Tour.

Holmes wrapped up the tournament at 14-under 270, one shot in front of Thomas and two clear of South Korean Kim Si-woo.

J.B. Holmes poses with Tiger Woods and the tournament trophy after the final round of Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club. /VCG Photo

While speaking to media after his emphatic victory, Holmes quipped: “We wanted to put on a good show for everybody, so me and Justin thought we'd three-putt a couple of times from short distances.”

“It's the way you want to win, come down the end and hit shots and make some key putts. It had to be exciting to watch.”

Meanwhile, Thomas rued about letting the opportunity slip with the gusts on the greens. “It's something I've needed to get better at and it, unfortunately, showed a flaw in my game,” the former world no. 1 lamented.

Meanwhile, tournament host Tiger Woods finished the rain-interrupted event eight strokes off the pace and at tied 15th.