McIlroy & Early Leaders | Genesis Invitational 2024

Challenging conditions marked the opening round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, with Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman emerging as early contenders. Both players posted a five-under score, navigating heavy rain and strong winds that caused a three-hour suspension of play.

Stormy Start at Riviera

England’s Aaron Rai is one stroke behind the leaders, though he had two holes remaining when play was halted due to darkness. A total of 30 players are scheduled to return on Friday at 07:00 (15:00 GMT) to finish their first rounds.

Difficult Day for the World Number One

The tournament also saw a difficult start for world number one Scottie Scheffler. He struggled on the first day, mirroring challenges faced at last week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Currently at five over with eight holes left to play, Scheffler sits at the bottom of the 72-man field.

Did You Know? The Genesis Invitational returned to Riviera Country Club this year after being relocated to Torrey Pines in 2025 due to a wildfire in the Pacific Palisades.

McIlroy, reflecting on the conditions, stated he found the rain easier to play in than the wind. He noted a shift in his mindset over the past decade, expressing a growing enjoyment of challenging conditions and a focus on building the skills to meet them.

Penge Makes a Strong Debut

England’s Marco Penge, in his first year on the PGA Tour, is also well-positioned, currently at three under with nine holes remaining in his opening round.

Expert Insight: McIlroy’s comments suggest a maturation in his approach to the game, prioritizing adaptability and resilience in the face of adverse weather. This could be a key factor in his performance throughout the tournament, and potentially in future events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the delay in the first round?

Heavy rain formed puddles on the greens, leading to a three-hour stoppage of play. When play resumed, players faced a strong and cold wind.

How many players need to complete their first round?

Thirty players will return on Friday at 07:00 (15:00 GMT) to complete their first rounds.

What is Scottie Scheffler’s current position in the tournament?

Scottie Scheffler is currently at the bottom of the 72-man field, at five over with eight holes left to play.

The coming rounds could see significant shifts in the leaderboard as players complete their first rounds and navigate the challenging conditions at Riviera. A strong finish for Rai could propel him into the lead, while Scheffler will need a remarkable recovery to remain competitive.