Rory McIlroy posted a 5-under 66 to open the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, navigating through rain and 20-plus mph wind gusts. The conditions led to a three-hour delay, but McIlroy appeared unbothered, birdying twice in his first three holes and his first after the break. He was briefly in the lead before Aaron Rai passed him late in the day as play was suspended due to darkness.
McIlroy nearly went bogey-free on the day, with his only slip coming at the par-3 16th. He quickly recovered with a birdie at the 17th to get back into a share of the lead. 'I've started to just really enjoy this style of golf,' McIlroy said, noting his improved ability to handle difficult conditions compared to 10 years ago.