Golfer Jacob Bridgeman added another \u201clife-changing\u201d moment to his growing list on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old newlywed narrowly edged out Kurt Kitayama and Rory McIlroy by a single stroke to claim the top $4 million prize of the Genesis Invitational, his first PGA Tour triumph since turning pro in 2022.<\/p>\n
Upon sinking his final putt on the par-4 18th at the Riviera Country Club in California, Bridgeman took in the exciting moment with his wife, Haley, whom he married in December.<\/p>\n
Jacob Bridgeman kisses wife Haley after winning the Genesis Invitational on Feb. 22, 2026. Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is way, way better than I\u2019ve ever dreamt it,\u201d Bridgeman said.<\/p>\n
Bridgeman entered Sunday\u2019s fourth and final round with a six-shot lead after carding a 66 on Thursday and back-to-back 64s on Friday and Saturday.<\/p>\n
He shot three bogeys across the final 18 holes for a 1-over par 72, giving him a total of 18-under.<\/p>\n
Jacob Bridgeman hits his tee shot on the 18th. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\u201cI pictured myself walking up that hole with a four-shot lead knowing that I\u2019d won,\u201d Bridgeman said. \u201cUnfortunately for me, it was only a one-shot lead and it became a lot more nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n
The South Carolina native is now the first golfer to win at Riviera in his debut run since Adam Scott in 2005.<\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s win adds to what\u2019s been a milestone stretch for Bridgeman, who recently reflected on an \u201camazing\u201d 2025 in a January Instagram post.<\/p>\n
Jacob Bridgeman celebrates his first PGA Tour win with wife Haley. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
\u201c2025 theme: Life Changing,\u201d he began<\/a>. \u201cI am so grateful for such an amazing year. I accomplished things in golf that I\u2019ve dreamed about since I was a little kid. I competed with my heros [sic]. Developed and grew friendships. Was shown how incredible my support system around me is. And I had the best day of my life when I married my favorite person in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Bridgeman and Haley revealed their engagement<\/a> in December 2024.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t