The golf world was abuzz after the first round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational, and for good reason. Move aside, Scottie Scheffler, because there’s a new favorite in town. And his name is Rory McIlroy.
The world’s top-ranked golfer, McIlroy was already a strong contender for the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. But after an impressive first round, he has solidified his position as the player to beat.
Coming into the tournament, all eyes were on McIlroy’s rival and world No. 2, Scottie Scheffler. But after an underwhelming first round, Scheffler has now been surpassed by the Irishman on the odds list.
McIlroy’s odds of winning the Genesis Invitational were already high, but his first round performance has only bolstered his chances. With a score of 66, he is currently tied for the lead with three other players. But it’s not just his score that has caught the attention of sportsbooks and fans alike.
McIlroy’s game was on fire from the very beginning. He was hitting fairways with precision, his approach shots were spot on, and his putts were sinking with ease. It was a masterful display of golfing skill that left many in awe.
But what really sets McIlroy apart is his mental game. He exudes a calm and confident demeanor on the course, never letting the pressure or the competition get to him. This is a quality that has served him well throughout his career and has earned him numerous victories on some of the toughest courses in the world.
And while McIlroy may have been the underdog in terms of odds, he certainly wasn’t lacking in support from his fans. The galleries at Riviera Country Club were filled with enthusiastic spectators, all cheering on their favorite golfer to victory. It’s clear that McIlroy has a strong following and he certainly didn’t disappoint them in the first round.
But it’s not just the fans who have taken notice of McIlroy’s performance. Many of his fellow players have also been impressed by his game. World No. 3, Jon Rahm, spoke of McIlroy’s “flawless” performance and even predicted that he would continue to play well for the rest of the tournament.
Of course, it’s still early days and anything can happen in the remaining rounds. But it’s hard to ignore the fact that McIlroy has become the new favorite for the Genesis Invitational. And it’s not just about the odds – it’s about the confidence and momentum that he has gained from his first round performance.
If McIlroy continues to play at this level, it’s hard to see anyone else taking the title. But in golf, anything can happen and the competition is fierce. We can certainly expect to see some exciting and unpredictable moments in the remaining rounds as the players battle it out for the coveted title.
But for now, all eyes are on Rory McIlroy. He has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with and has firmly established himself as the favorite for the Genesis Invitational. And if he continues to play like this, we may just see him add another trophy to his already impressive collection. The golf world is certainly in for a treat as we witness this talented and determined golfer take on the challenge ahead.
