Jordan Spieth was in the middle of reflecting on his week at the Genesis Invitational when Rory McIlroy produced a moment of brilliance that stole his attention. The American had just completed a five-under-par round and was answering questions about his performance when the Northern Irishman holed out from distance.

Rory McIlroy made birdie from a bunker at the Genesis Invitational after Tommy Fleetwood and Max Greyserman made wild iron shots

Most of the anger had passed at this point. Now it was becoming comical. McIlroy walked after his ball in dismay, tapping in for par on the ninth hole at The Riviera Country Club after another eminently makeable putt inside 10 feet slipped by.

Rory McIlroy is six shots back at The Genesis Invitational as his controversial chipping practice frustrates Riviera greenskeepers

Rory McIlroy admitted he left his comeback too late after missing out by one shot to Jacob Bridgeman at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles. American Bridgeman hung on to secure his first PGA Tour title despite late surges from McIlroy and Kurt Kitayama.

Rory McIlroy had a difficult run-in with a fan at the 2025 Genesis Invitational but reacted tellingly during the clash

Jacob Bridgeman overcomes nervous finish to hold on for victory at The Genesis Invitational; Rory McIlroy finishes one shot off the lead after late charge; Scottie Schefflers streak of top-10 finishes

Rory McIlroy is one back from the lead after two rounds of the Genesis Invitational, but that should be no surprise. Riviera Country Club is a ball-striker’s paradise, and unique on the PGA Tour in the way it tests players’ ability to hit mid and long irons accurately.