The Genesis Invitational kicked off with a dramatic opening round, as rain and wind caused a nearly three-hour delay, eventually leading to play being suspended due to darkness. With 34 players unable to complete their rounds, the stage is set for an exciting continuation.
Aaron Rai holds the overnight lead at 6 under par through 16 holes, showcasing a stellar performance. Rai started with an eagle on the first hole and added six birdies, offset by just two bogeys.
His putting was exceptional, sinking a 32-foot eagle putt on the first and a remarkable 79-foot birdie on the ninth. In a field brimming with talent, Rai has emerged as a standout performer.
Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman are tied for second place at 5 under par. McIlroy, who finished as the sun set, has become adept at handling challenging conditions, mastering trajectory control and adapting his game to the elements. Despite the soft greens, his strategic play allowed him to stay competitive.
Bridgeman, making his tournament debut, thrived in the windy conditions, using his skill in flighting the ball to his advantage. After a double bogey on the fourth, he rebounded impressively, demonstrating resilience and precision.
Collin Morikawa, fresh from his Pebble Beach victory, is among a group at 3 under. He navigated a day full of interruptions with a 3-under 68, noting the unusual combination of soft yet fast greens. Morikawa anticipates changing conditions over the next few rounds, especially if the wind subsides.
Meanwhile, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler faced an unexpected challenge, sitting at 5 over par through 10 holes.
Without a birdie on the scorecard, Scheffler's round was marred by a double bogey on the eighth, after an errant shot into the grandstand. He'll resume his round early Friday, aiming to recover and climb the leaderboard.
As the tournament unfolds, the unpredictable nature of the first round leaves plenty of room for surprises. With the second round set to begin, the players will be eager to seize their moment in the spotlight at Riviera.