Penge and Bridgeman Lead at Genesis Riviera Championship
Marco Penge and Jacob Bridgeman both delivered impressive performances at the Genesis Riviera Championship, finishing with a strong 7-under 64. This achievement has placed them atop the leaderboard alongside Rory McIlroy, who is closely trailing them.
Penge Shines with Late Push
Penge, the top European Tour player to secure a PGA Tour card this year, showcased his skills by achieving five birdies in his final seven holes. This allowed him to finish the day with a score of 12-under 130. His focus on the game is commendable, especially as he juggles family responsibilities. His wife is moving into a new home in Florida while awaiting their second child.
“It’s been quite tough,” Penge noted. “My wife has been in the U.S. on her own, heavily pregnant and caring for our one-and-a-half-year-old.”
Bridgeman’s First Experience at Riviera
Jacob Bridgeman made an impressive debut at Riviera, playing there for the first time only on Wednesday. He concluded his round with birdies on the last three holes, including a precise 5-iron shot that landed eight feet from the hole. Bridgeman expressed admiration for the poa annua grass, which proved challenging yet exciting for him.
- Bridgeman’s thoughts on the greens: “It’s shocking how soft they are and how fast they are.”
- He acknowledged the impact of the grass on his game, especially during short putts.
McIlroy’s Consistency
Rory McIlroy stands at a solid position after rounds of 66 and 65, managing to avoid bogeys during his play. McIlroy has shown marked improvement compared to his previous performance at Pebble Beach, where he struggled with multiple double bogeys and a triple bogey. He effectively played the par 5s, securing two birdies and an eagle on the 11th hole.
“There’s no Pacific Ocean to hit it into around this golf course, so that helps,” McIlroy said, discussing the course’s manageable setup.
Other Notable Performances
Xander Schauffele played a remarkable round of 65, putting him three shots behind the leaders. Two-time Riviera champion Adam Scott carded the lowest round of the day with a score of 63. Scott managed to reach 9 under through 13 holes but faced challenges down the stretch.
- Scott’s thoughts: He scrambled for par but missed it on the final hole.
- Taylor Pendrith from Ontario is tied for 21st at 3 under, while fellow Canadians Nicky Taylor and Corey Conners are tied for 25th at 2 under.
Scheffler’s Comeback
Scottie Scheffler faced challenges early in the tournament but made a significant comeback. After being 4-over par midway through the tournament, he rallied by scoring three straight birdies. He finished strong with another birdie on the 17th hole, successfully making a crucial seven-foot par putt on the 18th.
Despite his struggles in the initial rounds, Scheffler expressed satisfaction in giving himself a chance to continue competing. “I battled and it looks like I get another couple of rounds to see what I can do,” he stated.
The tournament continues with anticipation as players vie for the championship title at Riviera.
