Rory McIlroy Fires Course Record 62 to Take Genesis Invitational Lead

Rory McIlroy produced a scintillating third-round 62 to break the course record at Riviera Country Club and take a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California.

The four-time major champion was flawless on Saturday, recording 10 birdies without a single bogey to move to 16-under-par for the tournament. McIlroy's round included a stunning stretch of five consecutive birdies on the back nine that sent the crowd into a frenzy and established him as the clear favorite to claim his first victory of 2026.

"It was one of those days where everything clicked," McIlroy said after signing his scorecard. "My iron play was exceptional, and I was seeing the lines on the greens perfectly. When you're in that zone, you just try to ride it as long as possible."

The highlight of McIlroy's round came at the par-4 15th hole, where he holed out from 147 yards with a wedge for eagle, bringing the galleries to their feet and extending his lead over the field. His approach shots were consistently pin-high, and he needed just 26 putts for the entire round.

Collin Morikawa sits in second place at 14-under-par after shooting a solid 67, while defending champion Jon Rahm is three shots back following a third-round 69. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putter and posted a 71 to fall six shots off the lead.

McIlroy will enter Sunday's final round looking to capture his first PGA Tour victory since the CJ Cup in October 2023. With his confidence sky-high and his game in peak form, the 34-year-old appears poised to end his drought at one of golf's most prestigious regular-season events. A victory would also provide crucial momentum heading into the major championship season.