2025 Genesis Invitational One and Done Preview, Strategy, Picks

2025 Genesis Invitational One and Done Preview, Strategy, Picks article feature image
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Getty Images. Pictured: Taylor Pendrith

Editor's Note: This guest post is from PoolGenius, a provider of data-driven picks and tools that have helped pool players win at more than three times the expected rate.

The Genesis Invitational is here, bringing one of the biggest prize pools of the PGA season. Initially set for Riviera Country Club, this year’s event will take place at Torrey Pines (South Course) due to wildfire damage at Riviera.

With a $20 million purse and a $4 million first-place prize, this Signature Event is a key moment in Golf One and Done pools. The challenge? Balancing elite player value this week against saving top names for later in the season.


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Best Odds to Win The Genesis Invitational

Here are the favorites to win this tournament based on betting odds as of Tuesday, Feb. 11:

  • Scottie Scheffler (+400)
  • Rory McIlroy (+700)
  • Collin Morikawa (+1400)
  • Justin Thomas (+1600)
  • Hideki Matsuyama (+2000)
  • Ludvig Aberg (+2200)
  • Patrick Cantlay (+2500)
  • Sungjae Im (+2500)
  • Tommy Fleetwood (+2800)
  • Taylor Pendrith (+2800)

What does this mean for your Genesis Invitational One and Done picks?

The odds favor Scheffler and McIlroy, but many high-caliber options have strong cases based on course fit. With the tournament moving to Torrey Pines South, long hitters and strong approach players should thrive.

However, betting odds alone don’t tell the whole story — OAD strategy requires considering future tournament value and how each pick fits into your season-long plan.


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Most Popular Genesis Invitational One & Done Picks

At PoolGenius, we have insights into pick popularity each week. Here’s who is expected to be the most popular Genesis Invitational One and Done picks: 

High Popularity (8-14%)

  • Rory McIlroy
  • Collin Morikawa

Medium Popularity (4-7%)

  • Scottie Scheffler
  • Justin Thomas
  • Hideki Matsuyama
  • Ludvig Aberg
  • Patrick Cantlay
  • Sungjae Im

Lower Popularity (1-3%)

  • Tommy Fleetwood
  • Taylor Pendrith

It’s safe to say McIlroy and Morikawa are the chalk picks. That makes sense, as both have strong course fit and high ceilings.

Once again, we find the top-rated golfer in the world – Scheffler – to be at lower popularity (compared to odds). He could be an interesting leverage play against those waiting to deploy him later. 

The true contrarian options are somewhat limited — Pendrith and Fleetwood are among the few golfers with low ownership who still have strong betting odds. Pendrith found success at Torrey Pines three weeks ago, finishing tied for 7th in the Farmers Insurance Open. 


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Best Genesis Invitational One and Done Picks This Week

This is one of the most critical weeks for Golf One and Done Picks because of the high purse and deep field. There are two main strategies to consider:

1. Go With a Top-Tier Favorite

Many pool players will take McIlroy, Morikawa, or Scheffler – for good reason. These are the safest plays if you want to secure a high finish. However, your risk tolerance away from these golfers should be dictated by the size of your pool and the overall standings. 

2. Find a Leverage Play

If you're trailing in your pool, taking a slightly less popular golfer (like Thomas, Aberg, or Cantlay) could provide upside while saving McIlroy or Scheffler for a major. If you are looking to really make up ground with an underrated pick, Pendrith could be worth a look from a risk/reward standpoint. 

Remember that the best Genesis Invitational One and Done pick depends on your pool settings, remaining golfer inventory, and whether you are playing for segment prizes or season-long value.

Optimize Your Golf One & Done Picks with PoolGenius

The key to long-term success in One & Done pools is picking the right golfers at the right time. Instead of making a blind guess, use the PoolGenius Golf OAD Picks Tool to:

  • Customize Weekly Picks based on your pool’s format
  • Plan Your Full Season with optimal golfer usage
  • See Golfer Grades to compare win potential vs. future value
  • Optimize Multi-Entry Pools with diversified pick strategies

Whether you're near the top of your standings or looking to make up ground, PoolGenius helps you make data-driven decisions to get an edge.

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