Rory McIlroy shoots 5 under 66 Round 1 The Genesis Invitational 2026

In his opening round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational, Rory McIlroy shot a 5-under 66 and sits one shot back of Aaron Rai after Thursday at the Riviera Country Club.

The PGA TOUR returns to The Riviera Country Club for The Genesis Invitational, a welcome homecoming after last year’s relocation due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Hosted by Tiger Woods, the second Signature Event of the 2026 season features a limited field of 72 of the TOUR’s elite competing at one of the game’s most storied venues. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives still chasing his first Genesis title, carrying an 18-event top-10 streak, while Rory McIlroy makes his second straight start of the year. Defending champion Ludvig Åberg returns as the event shifts back to Riviera, where 2024 winner Hideki Matsuyama previously delivered a historic closing round. FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood leads a deep supporting cast that includes 2026 winners Chris Gotterup, Justin Rose and Collin Morikawa, alongside Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele and Viktor Hovland. With Kikuyu rough, firm greens and a layout that demands creativity and precision, Riviera once again provides a classic test and a fitting stage for one of the TOUR’s premier