Sun Feb 22 19:20:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Bridgeman Dominates at Riviera, Holds Six-Shot Lead Over McIlroy at Genesis Invitational

The Story:
Jacob Bridgeman surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Genesis Invitational on Saturday, carding a remarkable 7-under 64 at Riviera Country Club. Starting the day tied for the lead, Bridgeman finished six strokes ahead of Rory McIlroy, fueled by seven birdies and an eagle. The performance puts him in a prime position to capture his first PGA Tour title and potentially break the tournament’s 72-hole scoring record set by Lanny Wadkins in 1985.

McIlroy, despite a steady round of 69, finds himself trailing Bridgeman, acknowledging the need for a fast start on Sunday to apply pressure. The final round promises a compelling showdown between the in-form Bridgeman and the seasoned McIlroy, with other contenders like Aaron Rai and Xander Schauffele facing significant deficits.

Key Points:

  • Jacob Bridgeman shot a 7-under 64, the lowest round of the day, to take a six-shot lead at the Genesis Invitational.
  • Bridgeman’s score puts him at 19-under 194, potentially within reach of Lanny Wadkins’ tournament record of 20-under 264 set in 1985.
  • Rory McIlroy carded a 69 and sits six shots back, emphasizing the need for a strong final round.
  • Bridgeman and McIlroy have previous experience playing together, including the final round of the BMW Championship and the second round at East Lake.
  • Aaron Rai is eight shots behind Bridgeman, while Xander Schauffele struggled with short putts, hindering his chances.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jacob Bridgeman’s exceptional performance positions him as a strong contender for his first PGA Tour victory.
  • Rory McIlroy’s experience and past comeback victories make him a dangerous threat despite the six-shot deficit.
  • The final round promises an exciting head-to-head battle between Bridgeman and McIlroy.
  • Bridgeman’s comfort level playing alongside McIlroy after previous pairings could be a significant advantage.
  • The course conditions at Riviera, particularly the challenging greens, will play a crucial role in the final outcome.

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