LOS ANGELES – Jacob Bridgeman seized control of the Genesis Invitational on Saturday, carding a stunning seven-under-par 64 to build a six-shot lead over Rory McIlroy heading into the final round at Riviera Country Club. The 26-year-old American, currently ranked 52nd in the world, is poised to claim his first PGA Tour title.
McIlroy, starting the day just one stroke behind Bridgeman, managed a two-under-par 69, leaving him at 13 under for the tournament. While within striking distance, the Northern Irishman will need a significant performance on Sunday to overcome the substantial gap.
Bridgeman’s round was a masterclass in scoring, highlighted by seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5 11th hole. He navigated the challenging Riviera course with precision, demonstrating a confidence that belies his relatively limited experience on the PGA Tour. This performance follows a similarly impressive 64 in round two, solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard.
The six-shot advantage is particularly noteworthy considering the historical context of the Genesis Invitational. A win for Bridgeman would put him in contention to challenge Lanny Wadkins’ tournament record of 20-under 264, set in 1985. Currently, Bridgeman sits at 19-under 194, leaving the possibility of a record-breaking performance within reach.
Bridgeman’s strong start to the year, including two top-10 finishes in his first four events – most recently an eighth-place finish at Pebble Beach last week – suggests a growing maturity and consistency in his game. He opened Saturday’s round with two birdies in the first three holes and then hit a 7-wood to within 30 inches on the 262-yard fourth, setting up another birdie. The momentum continued on the back nine, where he strung together a remarkable birdie-eagle-birdie sequence on holes 10, 11, and 12.
McIlroy, despite his solid round, acknowledged the need to improve his putting on Sunday. He finished his round with seven consecutive pars, a testament to his resilience but also an indication that he wasn’t able to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap. “I hung in there,” McIlroy said. “I wish I was a couple closer to the lead. It looks like I’ll be in the final group. Hopefully, put a little pressure on Jacob tomorrow. I’ve given myself a chance, and that’s all I can ask for.”
The leaderboard sees a cluster of players vying for position behind the leading duo. England’s Aaron Rai is fourth, eight shots off the lead at 11 under, after a solid 66. South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter sits one shot ahead of Rai in third. Marco Penge, who began the day tied with Bridgeman, struggled with a three-over-par 74, dropping to a tie for seventh.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, who barely made the cut after a dramatic seven-foot putt on Friday, is making a move up the leaderboard. He carded a 66 on Saturday, moving to joint 22nd on five under. While a win may be out of reach, Scheffler’s performance demonstrates his ability to grind and remain competitive even when not at his best.
McIlroy’s history offers a glimmer of hope for a final-round comeback. He is one of nine players on the PGA Tour to have won a tournament when facing a six-shot deficit after 54 holes, notably rallying to defeat Scottie Scheffler at the 2023 TOUR Championship to secure the FedExCup. However, Bridgeman’s commanding lead and impressive form will present a formidable challenge.
Bridgeman’s performance on Saturday was nearly flawless, with his only significant mistake coming on the par-4 eighth, where he found the barranca that bisects the fairways at Riviera. Otherwise, he displayed remarkable accuracy and composure, suggesting he is fully prepared for the pressure of contending for his first PGA Tour victory.
The final round of the Genesis Invitational promises to be a captivating contest between a seasoned veteran in McIlroy and a rising star in Bridgeman. With a six-shot lead, Bridgeman appears to be in a strong position, but McIlroy’s proven ability to perform under pressure means he cannot be counted out. The outcome will likely hinge on both players’ ability to navigate the challenging conditions at Riviera and maintain their composure in the face of mounting expectations.
