Bridgeman ready to take on McIlroy in final group at Genesis Invitational

26-year-old contender feels comfortable playing with world No. 1 after experience at BMW Championship last year

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Jacob Bridgeman holds a six-shot lead heading into the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. Rory McIlroy, who is still seeking his first win at this event, will join Bridgeman in the final group on Sunday. Bridgeman reflected on his experience playing with McIlroy in the final round of last year's BMW Championship, saying he felt comfortable and that the fans were great. He believes that experience will benefit him as he tries to secure his first PGA Tour victory.

Why it matters

Bridgeman has a chance to win his first PGA Tour event at a prestigious tournament hosted by Tiger Woods. Playing in the final group with world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will provide a high-profile stage for Bridgeman to potentially break through for a career-defining victory.

The details

Bridgeman, 26, has played well all week at Riviera, posting back-to-back rounds of 64 to build a six-shot lead. McIlroy, who is still seeking his first win at this event, will join Bridgeman in the final group on Sunday. Bridgeman reflected on his experience playing with McIlroy in the final round of last year's BMW Championship, saying he felt comfortable and that the fans were great. He believes that experience will benefit him as he tries to secure his first PGA Tour victory.

  • Bridgeman and McIlroy played together in the final round of last year's BMW Championship.
  • Bridgeman holds a six-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

The players

Jacob Bridgeman

A 26-year-old PGA Tour player who holds a six-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

Rory McIlroy

The world No. 1 golfer who will be paired with Bridgeman in the final group on Sunday as he seeks his first win at the Genesis Invitational.

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What they’re saying

“I think maybe the only thing would be I know he's going to play well tomorrow. I know that I can't back up at all.”

— Jacob Bridgeman, PGA Tour player (Yardbarker)

“I was a little bit uncertain how it would be last year when I played with him in the Playoffs. And I had a big day in Baltimore, I had to play good to make the Tour Championship and I was paired with Rory and it was kind of a lot, I thought. Then I got out there and he was super nice to me and super welcoming, and the fans were great as well.”

— Jacob Bridgeman, PGA Tour player (Yardbarker)

What’s next

The final round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational will take place on Sunday, with Bridgeman and McIlroy paired in the final group.

The takeaway

Bridgeman's prior experience playing with McIlroy has him feeling comfortable heading into the final round, as he looks to secure his first PGA Tour victory at a prestigious event hosted by Tiger Woods. The high-profile pairing with the world No. 1 will provide Bridgeman a big stage to potentially break through for a career-defining win.