Rory McIlroy is in second place, but heads into Sunday’s final round of the Genesis Invitational with a six-stroke lead over leader Jacob Bridgman.
McIlroy is looking for his first title of the season at Riviera Country Club and is in second place after the third round, but there is plenty of room to catch Bridgeman.
McIlroy shot a 69 with three birdies and one bogey to finish at 13 under after Saturday’s performance. But it was Bridgeman who dominated the leaderboard.
Despite missing a birdie opportunity on the 18th hole, Bridgeman shot a 64 to finish the third round with a commanding lead at 19 under.
Jacob Bridgman is building a healthy lead. (AP Photo/Caroline Breman)
“It was very difficult,” McIlroy said after the match. “The greens get very fast and soft and get a little bumpy later in the day.”
“I was proud of myself. I kind of hung in there. I was as patient as I could. I wish I had been a little closer to the lead.”
“I gave myself a chance, that’s all I can ask for. It’s not as big an opportunity as I would like.
“I want to win here,” he added. “I’m going to play as hard as I can tomorrow, but we’ll see what happens.”
McIlroy is one of nine players on the PGA Tour to win with a six-stroke lead after 54 holes. He rallied to defeat Scotty Scheffler in the 2023 Tour Championship and win the FedEx Cup.
Bridgeman missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole, but his quick start gave him no time to feel nervous about the weekend. In fact, the only time he missed a drive was when he hit it into the middle of the barranca that separates the fairway on the par-4 8th hole.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to do this on this stage on the Riviera,” Bridgman said.
At 10 under par, Xander Schauffele tied for fifth place, one stroke behind Marco Penzi.
Scotty Scheffler improved his score and finished around the time he teed off in the final group. He shot a 66, his lowest round at Riviera, and came within 14 strokes. Scheffler’s only hope was to extend his streak of top 10s on the PGA Tour to 19.
Watch Round 4 of the Genesis Invitational live on Sky Sports Golf from 3.15pm on Saturday, with coverage also on Sky Sports Main Event from 8.30pm. Stream Golf does not require a contract.
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