"Weekend Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. In this installment, PGA Professional and RG’s Lead Golf Writer Brendon looks at how the weekend is shaping up at the Genesis Invitational.
After two rounds at the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, one thing is clear: the golf course is the indisputable leader in the clubhouse going into the weekend. With a dynamic leaderboard and challenging conditions testing even the most experienced players, the stage is set for an exciting weekend. Let's take a look at the headlines through 36 holes.
Davis Thompson Leads by 1 Over World Number 1 Scottie Scheffler
Leading the charge is Davis Thompson, who has emerged at the forefront of the Genesis Invitational with a slim lead over none other than current world number one, Scottie Scheffler. Thompson’s Friday round of 6-under par 66 was tied for the lowest of the day with Ludvig Aberg. His day was all about managing the elements and a challenging golf course, as he hit only 50% of his fairways (T36) and 61% of his greens (T38). Where he shined was with the flatstick, needing only 1.46 Strokes per GIR, which was tied for second place on the day. His Friday round, combined with his opening round 2-under par 70, left Thompson at 8-under par total heading into the weekend. That opening round incidentally saw almost as many rounds in the 80's (2) as in the 60's (3), showing the difficulty that a wet Torrey Pines was showing.
Scottie Doing Scottie Things: Remarkable Save from Wrong Tee and Hole Out Eagle from Bunker
World number one Scottie Scheffler showcased his ability to handle a challenging golf course during the first two rounds of play, solidifying his top ranking in the world. His second-round score of 5-under par 67 was highlighted by an unforgettable par save on the challenging par-three 11th hole, where he had to execute a 50-yard shot from over the green on the 12th tee. With that highlight on his front nine, Scottie needed to give the fans something special to go home with on his back nine. Scheffler's stunning eagle from the bunker on the par-five 6th hole, his 15th of the day, exemplified his ability to turn potential disasters into spectacular feats. These electrifying moments that Scheffler often provides hype up the fans and create riveting narratives. It’s precisely this talent for delivering brilliance under pressure that cements Scottie's status as one of the finest players in the history of the game.
The Chasers: Rory, McCarthy, and Aberg Among Contenders
While Thompson and Scheffler set the pace, a formidable group of chasers keeps the pressure on as play moves into the weekend. Rory McIlroy, Denny McCarthy, and Ludvig Aberg are among the notable names contending for the top spots.
McCarthy sits in third alone after his rounds of 68 and 70 put him at 6-under par. His short game and putting have been sharp through his first 36 holes, sitting in second through two rounds in Strokes Gained Putting, third in Strokes Gained Around the Green, and second in Putts Per GIR.
Crowd favorite Rory McIlroy sits at 5-under par and in fourth alone, three shots behind Thompson. Rory's skills are undeniable, but his resilience, especially on challenging courses, may be the one thing that makes him a frequent contender, with this week at Torrey Pines being a perfect example.
Despite losing 8 pounds over the past three weeks due to a mysterious illness, Aberg has defied expectations and proven why he belongs in the game's upper echelons as he sits in a tie for fifth with Patrick Rodgers at 4-under par. The competition amongst these chasers adds an electrifying undercurrent heading into the weekend at Torrey Pines.
Harsh Conditions: Cut Fell at Four Over, Big Names Struggle
Torrey Pines has continued to prove it’s no pushover, with a first-round scoring average of 74.270, some 2.3 strokes over par. Friday was a bit more favorable for the field as the scoring average improved to 71.820.
The harsh conditions resulted in a four-over-par cutline. The challenges presented by this renowned course and a wet last three days have caused some big names to falter, reminding us that even the best can stumble. Current FedEx Cup points leader Sepp Straka, along with Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, and Sungjae Im, missed the cut in this limited-field event.
Surprises and struggles are all part of golf, and its unpredictable nature serves as a humbling yet invaluable test for those who tee it up. For fans of the game, this is both the beauty and the agony of following a sport in which no shot can ever be taken for granted.
As we move into the weekend, all eyes will be on whether Davis Thompson can hold onto his lead, whether Scottie Scheffler will continue performing his magic, and if any contenders, such as Rory McIlroy, can make a significant move.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
