McIlroy narrowly misses victory at Genesis Invitational
Rory McIlroy endured a bittersweet finish at the Genesis Invitational, where he showcased impressive form but ultimately fell short of victory as Jacob Bridgeman claimed the title with a final score of 18 under par, reports BritPanorama.
McIlroy, who finished tied for second with Kurt Kitayama at 17 under, made an eye-catching 30-foot putt on the final hole, significantly boosting his earnings to $1.8 million. Bridgeman held his nerve with a one-over par 72 in the last round, ensuring his win despite the pressure of McIlroy’s late charge.
Starting the final day six shots behind, McIlroy produced a solid performance with four birdies, including two on the closing holes, but it was not enough to secure the title. The Northern Irishman had struggled with his putting earlier in the tournament, missing key opportunities that could have altered his trajectory.
During a post-round interview, McIlroy addressed the emotional rollercoaster of making a critical putt following the conclusion of the tournament. “No, not really. It probably earned me an extra $400,000 or $500,000, so it’s fine,” he said with a laugh.
Despite the near miss, McIlroy expressed optimism about his form, having recorded only three bogeys over the four-day tournament. He noted, “My game feels in really good shape,” a welcome change from his previous outing at Pebble Beach.
With a week off before returning for the Bay Hill tournament and The Players Championship, he affirmed that he had derived significant lessons and confidence from the recent West Coast Swing.
As McIlroy prepares for his upcoming challenges, his ability to navigate the pressures of high-stakes competition remains a testament to his skill and resilience, a reminder of the thin line between triumph and disappointment in professional golf.
