Australian golfer Danny List is set to make his debut on the PGA Tour at this weekend’s Genesis Invitational, marking a poignant full-circle moment in his career.
As a 10-year-old, List vividly remembers staying up late to catch the climax of the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines. On the iconic 18th green that day, Tiger Woods famously sank a birdie putt to force a playoff against Rocco Mediate, which Woods would eventually clinch in a dramatic 18-hole showdown the following day.
By that time, List had already been captivated by the sport, but as Woods’ putt rolled around the hole and fell in, it sparked a burning ambition in him to pursue his ultimate dream of competing on the PGA Tour.
Danny List will make his PGA Tour debut at the Genesis Invitational. Getty
Fast forward nearly 17 years, and List will be competing at the Genesis Invitational—a tournament hosted by Woods himself—having been awarded a special exemption by the golfing legend. In an interesting twist, the event is being held at the same venue where Woods achieved his memorable US Open victory. While the tournament is typically hosted at Riviera Country Club, recent wildfires in Los Angeles forced a change in location to Torrey Pines.
“When you connect all these dots, it’s quite remarkable. It truly is a full-circle moment,” List shared with the media, including Wide World of Sports, on Thursday.
“This place holds so much history, and I’ve witnessed countless incredible golf shots on TV and YouTube, especially from Tiger on this course.
“It’s definitely an extremely special occasion.”
Originally hailing from the US, with an Australian father and a mother from Ghana, List spent his formative years in Accra, Ghana, where he was the only one among his peers who played golf.
He developed his skills at Achimota Golf Club, one of just eight public courses in the entire country, which featured sand greens and indistinct fairways that blended into the rough. It’s a stark contrast to the lush, impeccably maintained course he will be competing on this weekend.
List on his way to third in a DP World Tour Challenger event earlier this month. Getty
Reflecting on his journey, List noted that achieving his PGA Tour dreams once felt far-fetched. “There wasn’t even a driving range when I was growing up, and the greens were probably rolling at about three on the stimpmeter. It definitely wasn’t conducive to excelling in golf.”
“In a way, I was blissfully ignorant, thinking I could make a mark in the game coming from those circumstances. Thankfully, I persevered and was granted opportunities that allowed me to really refine my skills, and I believe I made the most of them.”
Despite missing the entirety of the 2023 season due to a stress fracture in his back, List rallied back by posting two stellar rounds of 63 to qualify for the DP World (European) Tour. He earned his tour card late last year after an impressive showing in the six-round qualifying event.
Only a fortnight ago, List finished third in a Challenge Tour event in South Africa.
His participation in the Genesis Invitational comes as he is awarded the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, recognising individuals who promote diversity within the game. Sifford was the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour, eventually becoming the first minority winner in 1967.
In addition to his golf pursuits, List is dedicated to supporting young golfers in Ghana and West Africa through the Danny List Foundation, which currently assists around 40 children, alongside many more benefitting from clinics and other initiatives.
List almost overlooked the fateful call notifying him of Woods’ selection. “I received a call from an unknown number, and usually I don’t answer, but something urged me to pick up this time,” he recalled. “Hearing that I was chosen by Tiger to play was truly surreal.”
Although Woods was initially set to make his return at the Genesis, he later opted out to mourn the passing of his mother, but he expressed hopes to attend and support the tournament.
The Genesis boasts an impressive AUD$30 million prize pool, with the winner set to take home AUD$6.37 million.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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