Rory McIlroy Chases Bridgeman's Lead in Genesis Invitational Final Round

McIlroy trails leader Jacob Bridgeman by 6 shots heading into the final day at Riviera Country Club

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:27am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a golf match between Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman, with the players' movements and the course's features abstracted into a vibrant, cubist composition.The final round of the Genesis Invitational promises a captivating clash between Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman, as the two golfers battle for the title in a visually striking, cubist-inspired composition.Los Angeles Today

The Genesis Invitational is heating up, with Rory McIlroy trailing leader Jacob Bridgeman by six shots after the third round. While Bridgeman's commanding 19-under-par performance has set the stage for a thrilling final round, McIlroy remains determined to close the gap and capture his first title of the season at the Riviera Country Club.

Why it matters

The final round of the Genesis Invitational promises high drama, as the battle between McIlroy and Bridgeman for the title could come down to the wire. McIlroy's pursuit of the leader will captivate golf fans, as he aims to overcome the steep six-shot deficit and secure a much-needed victory.

The details

McIlroy, who finished Saturday's round at 13-under-par with three birdies and one bogey, acknowledged the challenges posed by the fast and bumpy greens. Despite the hurdles, he remains optimistic about his chances, stating, 'I've given myself a chance.' Meanwhile, Bridgeman's stellar 64-shot performance on Saturday has put him in the driver's seat, though a six-shot lead is not an insurmountable deficit in the unpredictable world of golf.

  • The final round of the Genesis Invitational will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2026.
  • Bridgeman currently holds a six-shot lead over McIlroy after the third round on Saturday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is currently ranked second in the world. McIlroy is seeking his first title of the 2026 season at the Genesis Invitational.

Jacob Bridgeman

The current leader of the Genesis Invitational, Bridgeman shot a 64 in the third round to take a commanding six-shot lead over McIlroy.

Xander Schauffele

An American professional golfer who is tied for fifth place at 10-under-par heading into the final round.

Marco Penge

A professional golfer who is one shot behind Schauffele at 9-under-par.

Scottie Scheffler

The reigning world number one, Scheffler is five-under-par after a strong 66-shot third round.

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What they’re saying

“It was so hard. They got so fast, and they're soft, then they get a little bumpy later in the day.”

— Rory McIlroy

“I'd love to win here. I'm going to play my hardest tomorrow and see what happens.”

— Rory McIlroy

What’s next

The final round of the Genesis Invitational will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2026, with live coverage starting at 3:15 PM on Sky Sports Golf and 8:30 PM on Sky Sports Main Event.

The takeaway

The final round of the Genesis Invitational promises to be a thrilling showdown between Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman. While Bridgeman holds a commanding lead, McIlroy's determination and skill make him a formidable challenger, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.