Genesis International: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in contention in San Diego
Midway through Genesis International in San Diego, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy stayed in touch with leader Davis Thompson.
Scheffler of the United States hit a 67-under five-shot game, trailing Thompson, who beat the final hole to sign 66 and set up at eight-shot paces Set the pace.
McIlroy also shot 67, with five birdies from the third hole in the battle for Torrey Pines.
But the Northern Irish followed the bogey at 12th and 14th, then picked up the shots on the 15th and 17th. He was unable to take advantage of his fifth 18 and lead by three.
“I played a lot of really good shots. I did a great job in most cases. I fry it very well,” the 35-year-old said.
“I just didn’t take advantage of five shots. I made up for that elsewhere, which is good. But I know I’m going to have to hit the ball better to get into the weekend.”
Scheffler, who won last year’s Masters, hit only five fairways on Friday, and he also knew he had to do better on the weekend to challenge.
“I’ll definitely try more on the fairway,” he said.
“I feel like I survived not driving the ball well and over the past few days I will need to drive it better.”
Thompson, 25, won his first PGA Tour title last year and had six birdies in his first 13 holes before shooting the next two holes.
However, he recovered with a birdie at the age of 16 and then secured his high position with a last short putt.
The Genesis is usually held at the Riviera Country Club but was relocated to Tory Pines due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
