Jacob Bridgeman Leads Genesis Invitational by 6 Entering Final Round

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is in second place, 6 shots back, heading into Sunday's finale.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jacob Bridgeman shot a 7-under 64 on Saturday to take a 6-shot lead into the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. Rory McIlroy is in second place at 13-under, followed by Aldrich Potgieter and Aaron Rai. Bridgeman is threatening the tournament's 72-hole scoring record of 20-under.

Why it matters

Bridgeman has been knocking on the door of his first PGA Tour victory, with six top-10 finishes in his career, including a runner-up last year. A win at the prestigious Genesis Invitational would be a career-defining moment for the 26-year-old South Carolina native.

The details

Bridgeman was 3-under through his first 4 holes on Saturday and then caught fire on the back 9, including an eagle on the 11th hole, to shoot 7-under 64 and build a 6-shot lead. McIlroy, the defending Masters champion, is in second place at 13-under. Potgieter and Rai are also in the hunt at 12-under and 11-under, respectively.

  • Bridgeman has the largest 54-hole lead at the Genesis Invitational since Steve Stricker's 6-shot lead in 2010.
  • The tournament is taking place less than a mile from where a destructive wildfire forced last year's event to be relocated to Torrey Pines.

The players

Jacob Bridgeman

A 26-year-old South Carolina native who is seeking his first PGA Tour victory after six top-10 finishes in his career, including a runner-up last year.

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters Tournament champion from Northern Ireland who is in second place, 6 shots back, heading into the final round.

Aldrich Potgieter

A South African golfer who is in third place at 12-under par.

Aaron Rai

An English golfer who is in fourth place at 11-under par.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer who shot a 5-under 66 on Saturday and is at 5-under for the tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Bridgeman will play alongside Rory McIlroy in the final round on Sunday as he tries to hold onto his 6-shot lead and capture his first PGA Tour victory.

The takeaway

Jacob Bridgeman has put himself in prime position to break through for his first career PGA Tour win at the prestigious Genesis Invitational, holding a commanding 6-shot lead over a star-studded field heading into the final round.