Scottie Scheffler Takes Early Lead at Genesis Invitational

Scottie Scheffler fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 to take the first-round lead at the Genesis Invitational, showcasing the form that has made him the consensus number one player in professional golf.

Playing in near-perfect conditions at historic Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, Scheffler carded seven birdies and no bogeys to establish a two-stroke advantage over a group of four players tied for second place. The Texas native looked in complete control throughout his round, hitting 14 of 18 greens in regulation and requiring just 26 putts.

"The greens were rolling beautifully today and I felt really comfortable with my reads," Scheffler said after his round. "Riviera is such a special place to play, and when you can get off to a good start like this, it really sets the tone for the week."

Defending champion Jon Rahm struggled in the opening round, posting a disappointing two-over-par 73 that included three bogeys and a double-bogey at the par-four 10th hole. The Spaniard will need a significant turnaround over the next three rounds to defend his title successfully.

Tied for second at five-under-par are Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, and rising star Ludvig Aberg. Schauffele, playing in front of his home Los Angeles crowd, delighted fans with six birdies in his opening 12 holes before cooling off slightly on the back nine.

The Genesis Invitational represents one of the PGA Tour signature events, offering an elevated purse of 20 million dollars and featuring a limited field of the world top players. The tournament also serves as an important tune-up for next months Players Championship and the subsequent major championships.

Weather forecasts call for continued excellent conditions throughout the week, with temperatures in the mid-70s and minimal wind expected. These conditions typically lead to low scoring at Riviera, setting up what could be a thrilling weekend of golf in Southern California.

Second-round play continues Friday, with Scheffler scheduled to tee off at 12:47 PM Pacific Time alongside playing partners Rahm and Schauffele in what promises to be one of the featured groups of the day.