La Jolla, CA- The Genesis Invitational looks prime for a new champion with Fifty-four (54) players making the 36-hole cut at 4-over-par 148. Davis Thompson had a great going 6 under Friday finishing with (-8 under-par) to hold a one-shot lead going into the weekend.
“Yeah, felt like I hit the ball great at the start, hit a lot of fairways and greens,” said Thompson, “It’s kind of like steady golf on the front and kind of a rollercoaster on the back.”
Scottie Scheffler is one-shot off from Thompson keeping himself at top of leader board. Despite the wet conditions he was able to have a bogey-free round on the South course at Torrey Pines. His short game work was seen through out the round and paid off with 3 birdies and an eagle.
“I felt like I was out of position a lot today, but did a good job of muscling some shots up there on the green and getting up and down when I needed to as well,” said Scheffler “I’m pretty satisfied with the way I scored today,”
Sitting three shots behind the World No. 3 Rory Mcllroy at (-5 under-par) in striking distance with two rounds left. Coming off playing Pebble Beach the other week to now similar Poa small greens targets has played in his favor thus far.
“I think you have to be just so accepting on greens like this. Today I did my best to roll the ball on the right line and try to get the right speed and thankfully a few went in,” said McIlroy.
Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama (T34/+2) followed an opening-round 74 with a second-round 72 just hanging around. Even with last year win the course if way different.
This small group of players have made the adjustment of playing Genesis at Torey verse its home in the ravished Pacific Palisades. Due to the fires it was best to move this year tournament from the Riveria to the South Course. The Invitational being such a big part of PGA West Coast swing it would been a shame to skip past it this season.
The Riviera Country Club Club’s ownership and golf legend Tiger Woods have stepped up in a powerful show of support to aid in recovery efforts. It was announced that the club will donate $1,000,000 to local rebuilding initiatives said RCC CEO Megan Watanbe.
Chairman of The Riviera Country Club, Noboru Watanabe, said “We are devastated for those who have been affected by the Los Angeles fires. We will do our best to support our community in the recovery efforts.”
