Genesis Invitational R1: Rory McIlroy off to flying start at Riviera

Rory McIlroy made a strong start to the second signature event of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Genesis Invitational. 

McIlroy, 36, shot a five under 66 at Riviera Country Club on Thursday. 

A composed McIlroy carded six birdies and dropped only one stroke.

He sits alongside America's Jacob Bridgeman in a tie for second, trailing early pacesetter, England's Aaron Rai, by one stroke. 

World number one Scottie Scheffler endured a forgettable day and was dead last on five over par through 10 holes when play was suspended for the day because of poor light. 

Last week's winner, Collin Morikawa, is on three-under. England's Tommy Fleetwood carded a 69.

"Obviously, we had that delay and, you know, the course after that was very, very wet," McIlroy told Sky Sports. 

"So, you know, having to control your trajectory, control your spin, and then especially in the wind, the wind definitely got up those last few holes, which made it a little tricky as well. 

"So I was really happy with how I controlled my ball flight out there.

"And there was just some holes in that back nine, you knew that if you made a par it was a good score and you could move on. 

"So, you know, overall, [I am] obviously really happy with the day's work. And [it] looks like I'll have a few holes tomorrow.

"I'm not sure if we'll get everything finished, depending on the guys that are playing tonight and tomorrow morning. 

"But, you know, in a great spot to build from from here."

McIlroy played his first three holes in two under before play was suspended for more than two hours due to inclement weather. 

When he returned to the course, he drained a birdie putt on the fourth hole from 30 feet. 

Before the tournament began, McIlroy suggested that lengthening the hole was "horrible". 

Last week's winner, Morikawa, and 2025 U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun, were also among those to also criticise the change. 

McIlroy added another birdie at the eighth hole to turn in 31 strokes. 

He was out of position at the driveable 10th but managed to escape with a par. 

He added another birdie at the 11th and registered four more pars before dropping a shot at the par-three 16th. 

A closing par gave him a 66, which tied his second best ever score to par at a venue he has never won at. 

The Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, is the second signature event of the season. 

It has a total purse of $20m, with $4m being awarded to the winner. 

Although the field only has 80 players, there is a 36-hole cut. 

The top 50 players and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead, make it through to the weekend. 

Sweden's Ludvig Aberg is the defending champion, albeit at a different venue. 

The 2025 Genesis Invitational was moved from Riviera to Torrey Pines due to the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles.