Genesis Invitational: Bridgeman and McIlroy Share Clubhouse Lead After Rain Halts First Round
The first round of the genesis invitational was suspended late Thursday after a weather delay, leaving Jacob Bridgeman and Rory McIlroy as the clubhouse co-leaders and a notable late surge from Aaron Rai unfinished. Play was paused by a horn at 5: 41 p. m., with Rai and 29 others scheduled to complete their opening rounds Friday morning at Riviera Country Club.
Genesis Invitational: Rain suspension interrupts late charges
Thunder and rain interrupted a day of shifting momentum at Riviera. Aaron Rai climbed to six under through 16 holes after a four-birdie run on the back nine, only for the horn to halt play before he could finish. The suspension left a sizable group, including Rai, to pick up where they left off when play resumes Friday morning.
Unfazed by the delay, Jacob Bridgeman posted a five-under 66 to claim a share of the clubhouse lead with Rory McIlroy. Bridgeman’s round featured four birdies on the back nine, capped by a birdie at the 17th and a par at 18 to close his first round. His day also included a 48-foot eagle putt on the par-five first hole that helped set the tone.
Bridgeman’s debut impact and McIlroy’s steady response
Bridgeman, making his tournament debut at Riviera, arrived at the clubhouse with momentum from recent form and is now more visible after sharing the lead. The 26-year-old from South Carolina has climbed in ranking since turning pro and recorded a top finish last week that preceded this strong opening round. He described learning the course and adjusting to the Poa annua greens as part of his early-week process.
McIlroy, the world No. 2, matched Bridgeman’s five-under score with a round that included reaching the green in two at the long 17th and converting a two-putt there to pull even on the leaderboard. He also birdied the recently lengthened fourth hole, a change he has criticized but which yielded a reward on Thursday. McIlroy noted growing comfort in playing tougher conditions, and wind that rose as the rain eased made several holes in the middle stretch especially testing.
Course context, field depth and what comes next
Riviera returned as the venue after a forced relocation of the event last year, and the course proved its teeth in round one: only 28 of the 72 players finished in red numbers. The leaderboard reflects a day when weather and course setup combined to limit scoring for much of the field.
With play set to resume Friday morning, the immediate focus will be on the 30 players who did not finish their opening 18. Their completions could reshuffle the leaderboard quickly, particularly with late charges like Aaron Rai poised to finish strong. The co-leaders already in the clubhouse will watch closely as those groups complete round one and as conditions evolve.
Outlook
Expect the early leaderboard to remain fluid once suspended rounds are completed. Bridgeman’s strong debut and McIlroy’s experience in adverse conditions set up an intriguing weekend projection, while the group halted by weather—including Rai—represent potential movers. Play resumes Friday morning at Riviera Country Club and the situation could change rapidly as unfinished rounds are completed and wind and weather factors continue to play a role.
