Marco Penge and Jacob Bridgeman share the lead at 12-under par after firing 7-under 64s in the second round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. Rory McIlroy sits one stroke back in solo third following a bogey-free 65, while Xander Schauffele and Adam Scott are tied for third at 9-under. Scottie Scheffler advanced to the weekend at even par, preserving his cut streak.
The second round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational concluded smoothly at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, after a weather delay in the opening round pushed some players through 27 holes on Friday. Heavy rain earlier in the week left the greens soft and fast, prompting comments from players like Collin Morikawa, who noted he had "never seen greens like this," describing shots as "purely hit and hope." Rory McIlroy echoed the challenge, saying the surfaces were "soft but fast," requiring adjustments like using more club to counter spin-back, as seen when his 9-iron on the 18th retreated 30 feet despite a full swing.
Marco Penge, a 27-year-old Englishman in his PGA Tour debut season after three DP World Tour wins last year, carded seven birdies without a bogey for his 64, briefly leading by three before settling at 12-under. Jacob Bridgeman matched the score with seven birdies, an eagle, and two bogeys, including three straight birdies to close. McIlroy, seeking his 30th PGA Tour victory and first at Riviera, stayed bogey-free with an eagle at the par-5 11th and four birdies, moving to 11-under. Xander Schauffele eagled the first and added four birdies for a 65, reaching 9-under despite fatigue from the demanding conditions. Adam Scott also hit 9-under, highlighted by a near hole-in-one on the 16th that embedded inches from the cup due to the soggy turf.
The cut fell at even par, with 51 of 72 players advancing under rules for the top 50 and ties plus those within 10 shots of the lead. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who opened with a 74 after struggling to +5 through 10 holes Thursday, rebounded with a 68 featuring four birdies in his last 10 holes to make the weekend at even par, extending his streak to 66 cuts. Notable misses included 2026 winners Chris Gotterup and Justin Rose at 3-over, along with Sam Burns and Maverick McNealy at 1-over.
Round 3 tee times begin at 7:30 a.m. PT Saturday, with leaders Penge and Bridgeman off at 11:45 a.m. PT. Coverage airs on Golf Channel from noon-3 p.m. ET, followed by CBS from 3-7 p.m. ET.
