Scottie Scheffler finished just outside the top 10 at The Genesis Invitational, snapping his record 18 straight top-10 finishes. Despite a strong final-round 65, a missed putt on the 18th hole kept him from extending the streak. The event at Riviera Country Club highlighted his ongoing challenges there.
Scottie Scheffler described his relationship with Riviera Country Club as "weird," noting, “I feel like I can play so well out here and I just haven't yet.” His performance at The Genesis Invitational ended his remarkable run of 18 consecutive top-10 finishes, the longest in the modern era, and also halted eight straight top-four results.
The tournament's damage began early. In the first round, Scheffler endured his worst start of his career, reaching 5-over through 10 holes on Thursday before play halted. He added birdies early Friday morning to close at 3-over, setting a challenging climb. Conditions were tough that afternoon, with wind increasing and Poa annua greens becoming bumpier.
Scheffler rebounded with a 3-under 68 in the second round and a 66 on Saturday. Sunday started evenly through seven holes, but he surged with six birdies in his last 12, carding a 6-under 65. A 21-foot birdie putt on the 18th stopped an inch short, leaving him one shot shy of the top 10.
Reflecting on perseverance, Scheffler said, “I've never been one to quit, so it's not really – I mean, I'd feel pretty silly to quit in a PGA TOUR event.” He credited morning tee times for better play: “Overall, being out here and competing, that's what I love to do and, like I said, got to go out early yesterday on some fresh greens, get a little bit less wind. It's easier playing in the morning than it is late in the day. Took advantage of it. Then I had another solid day today.”
Riviera has long tested top players; Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus never won there. Scheffler's next events are the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard in two weeks and THE PLAYERS Championship, both of which he has won twice.
