Zhang targets revival at star-studded Genesis
China’s Zhang Xinjun is confident he can quickly turn his fortunes around despite a frustrating start to the year on the PGA Tour.
The 33-year-old has missed three cuts from five starts in 2021, with a tie for 60th at the Farmers Insurance Open last month his best result. After missing the halfway cut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week, Zhang this week heads to The Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.
It will be Zhang’s sixth straight week of competition as he builds toward a debut appearance at the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass next month.
“The Genesis Invitational is important to me. I didn’t make the cut at Pebble Beach, which actually gave me some time to relax over the weekend,” said Zhang.
“This year, I have a tight schedule, so I have been taking very short rests in between the consecutive weeks.”
Zhang is taking consolation from the fact that each of his missed cuts this year have been by a mere two strokes. Driving remains his Achilles’ heels — the Shanxi province native has hit only 56 percent of fairways during the 2020-21 season, often leaving him scrambling in defensive positions.
Ahead of his second visit to Riviera, Zhang knows finding the short grass from off the tees will be key.
“I hope to get my form back and look forward to a good result. On this golf course, driving is going to be an important element,” he said. “For a few holes, you have to play a draw or a fade to put the ball on the fairway. If I can manage that, I will have more chances.”
Like Zhang, Chinese Taipei’s CT Pan will also be aiming to regain his form after a similarly slow start to the year, during which he made his first cut in four starts at Pebble Beach last week.
Pan, who featured in the Presidents Cup for the International Team in 2019, finished tied 44th at Riviera in 2019 and plans to brush up on his putting ahead of his return.
“I like the Genesis course. Recently, I am doing well with my long irons but I am confident about the upcoming week. I need the putter to get hot and make birdies, so I will be spending more time on the practice greens to get ready,” said Pan.
Australia’s Adam Scott will defend his title in the $9.3 million showpiece which offers 550 FedExCup points to the winner. World No 1 Dustin Johnson and FedExCup points-list leader Patrick Cantlay headline the tournament.