Rory McIlroy put on a clinic at the Genesis Invitational, firing a five-under 66 to share the clubhouse lead at Riviera Country Club. This impressive start not only marks his lowest opening round at this storied venue but also brings him closer to reaching a milestone-30 PGA Tour wins, a feat last achieved by Phil Mickelson nearly two decades ago.
McIlroy's round wasn't without its challenges. He faced early rain, a lengthy weather delay, and the tricky task of managing spin on soft yet fast greens. Yet, he handled it all with poise, tying at the top with Jacob Bridgeman before play was halted due to darkness.
Meanwhile, Aaron Rai was making a strong push at six-under with two holes left, while Scottie Scheffler found himself struggling, tied for last at five-over after a slow start.
Shane Lowry, with 33 putts, ended the day two-over, placing him 54th in the 72-man field. But McIlroy’s performance stood out, showcasing his adaptability and growth over the years. Reflecting on his game, McIlroy noted a shift in mindset, embracing the challenging conditions he once found daunting.
“I've started to just really enjoy this style of golf,” he shared, highlighting a newfound appreciation for the conditions at Riviera. His round featured some spectacular moments, including a pitch over the notorious bunker at the par-three sixth that landed just feet from the hole.
Despite never having won at Riviera, McIlroy has come close, with top-five finishes in 2019 and 2020. His experience, now spanning 275 PGA Tour starts, has taught him to thrive in demanding conditions and continuously refine his skills.
“To start to enjoy them and have the shots to succeed on days like this, that's a really satisfying thing to be nearly 20 years into a career,” McIlroy said, emphasizing his ongoing improvement.
One of the highlights of his round was a par-saving chip at the 12th and his deft pitch over the bunker on the sixth. “I really like tight lies,” he explained, crediting his practice routine at the Bear's Club for honing his skills.
On the flip side, Scheffler has some ground to make up after a challenging start, including a double-bogey on the eighth. He’s aiming to extend his streak of top-ten finishes, but the road ahead looks tough.
In other golf news, Leona Maguire shot an even-par 72 in the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand, placing her tied for 33rd at five-under. She trails leader Somi Lee by 12 strokes, who dazzled with an 11-under 61, leading by three over Jeeno Thitikul.
As McIlroy continues to chase history, his performance at Riviera is a testament to his enduring skill and evolving game. The rest of the tournament promises to be a thrilling ride.