Los Angeles, Feb 16: Rory McIlroy has a chance to celebrate his ascension to World No. 1 spot at the start of the week by winning the Genesis Invitational at the end of it. After a patient three-under 68, he shared the leader with Matt Kuchar (70) and Adam Scott (67). They were all 10-under for 54 holes setting up an exciting finale, in which they will play together in the final three-ball grouping.
As McIlroy stayed wary and patient, Kuchar overcame a rough four-hole stretch during which he dropped three shots between 13thand 16thbefore closing with a 10-foot birdie. Scott, who won the Genesis back in 2005, when it was reduced to 36-hole, is looking for a full 72-hole victory at the event as he shot a flawless back nine in his 67. He was five-under for his final 12 holes after being one-over for the first six.
With 10 players with three shots and 16 within four, it will be a tight finish.
Tournament host, Tiger Woods, had another forgettable round of five-over 76 with one double, five bogeys and just two birdies that placed him T-63 from among the 68 who made the cut.
One of the big threats for the leading trio will be Dustin Johnson, who won at Riviera in 2017 by five shots. On Saturday he finished birdie-eagle for a 67 and at eight-under he is two behind. After six pars in first six holes, Johnson had only two pars over his final 12 holes. He had six birdies, an eagle, a double and two bogeys. His pars were on 12thand 18th.
McIlroy, who got his 17thscore in the 60s in his last 18 rounds is looking very solid as he forced his way into shared lead, which was held by Kuchar since the first round.
Scott, playing his first tournament since the Australian PGA Championship three days before Christmas, is also looking at a shot at the title.
Harold Varner III birdied his final two holes for 69 and was nine-under and one shot behind the leaders as was Russell Henley (68).
Woods’ rough day included a four-putt from 18 feet on 13thand he had trouble on the greens through the week. He also three-putted the 17th for par and finished with a three-putt bogey from about 12 feet on the 18th.
Woods has already said that he wasn’t ready for the WGC-Mexico Championship next week and was not sure when he would play next. The focus for Woods is now is the Masters.
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