WATCH: Tiger Woods Announces 22-Year-Old Star Then Watches Him Flush Opening Shot

Back in 1992, Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut at Riviera Country Club and the Genesis Invitational. This year, 30 years on, the 82-time PGA Tour winner played the official starter's role, as he introduced the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption recipient, Aaron Beverly, on to the first tee.

Beverly, who actually won on the APGA Tour’s Fall Series, before plying his trade on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica and Mackenzie Tours, would go on to birdie the par-5 first hole, with one of the greatest golfers to ever walk the planet watching on, before parring his second following a 351-yard drive.

The American, who starred at Sacramento State, actually contracted Covid-19 last year and lost nearly a stone-and-a-half (around 20 pounds). However, that didn't stop him as, in January 2022, he received the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, an award that honours recipients for their spirit in advancing diversity in golf. 

“Receiving the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption and having the opportunity to play in the Genesis Invitational is a true honour and the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Beverly. “This is the moment all my hard work and dedication has been preparing me for, and I look forward to competing at Riviera.”

Beverly who won three events at Sacramento State where he was also named as the Big Sky Player of the Year twice, graduated in 2017 and still holds the school record for top-5s (10), top-10s (16) and top-20s (21). He returned as an assistant coach in 2019 before continuing his pro career.

“Like me, Aaron learned the game from his dad,” said Woods. “I know Charlie Sifford would be proud of Aaron as he makes his PGA Tour debut at Riviera next month.”