Genesis Invitational: genesis invitational resumes after rain and wind

The first round at Riviera was interrupted by heavy rain and gusty winds, forcing multiple stoppages that left key leaders with unfinished business at the genesis invitational. Play was halted in the late morning and resumed in the mid-afternoon before a second suspension for darkness left 34 players to finish their opening rounds Friday morning.

Morning suspension and afternoon resumption

Play was suspended in the late morning when water pooled on the greens; that stoppage lasted roughly three hours. The round resumed at 4: 09 p. m. ET and later was suspended for darkness at 8: 41 p. m. ET. A separate earlier suspension time tied to the onset of heavy rain occurred at 1: 13 p. m. ET.

Genesis Invitational leaderboard developments

Rory McIlroy signed for a 5-under 66 to share the clubhouse lead with Jacob Bridgeman. Bridgeman signed a 5-under 66 after an opening eagle was offset by an early double bogey before a strong back nine. Aaron Rai birdied the par-3 16th to reach 6 under but had two holes remaining when play was halted for darkness. Ryan Fox posted a 67 and Collin Morikawa signed a 68.

Conditions: rain, wind and unusual greens

Heavy morning rain created puddles on already soft greens, prompting the three-hour delay. When play resumed, strong, cold wind made conditions more difficult, and players described putting surfaces as a rare mix of very soft and very quick. A number of shots that would normally hold the green ran up or spun unpredictably; one tee shot on the par-3 sixth plugged inches from the cup.

Notable individual performances

McIlroy opened with three birdies in four holes and saved par on the par-3 sixth with a chip over a bunker. Bridgeman regrouped after an early double bogey to birdie several holes on the back nine. Aaron Rai was at 6 under with two holes to play when darkness stopped his round. Scottie Scheffler struggled, going 4-over 39 on the front nine and entering the suspension period without a birdie through 10 holes.

genesis invitational Friday finish plans

Thirty-four players will complete their first rounds Friday morning. The forecast called for dry conditions for the remainder of the weekend, so if that holds most remaining first-round holes should be completed early and the tournament schedule is likely to move forward. If conditions change, the field will adjust the completion window Friday morning as required.

Key takeaways: 34 players unfinished; McIlroy and Bridgeman at 5 under; Rai at 6 under with two holes left; play paused at 8: 41 p. m. ET.