Rory McIlroy has overtaken Scottie Scheffler as the leading contender at sportsbooks following the first round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. Despite challenging weather conditions, McIlroy finished tied for second at five under par, prompting a significant shift in betting odds and establishing him as the new favorite to win the tournament.
McIlroy’s Impressive Start at the Genesis Invitational
Historically, the Genesis Invitational has not been McIlroy’s strongest tournament, with his best recent finish being a tie for 10th place in 2022. Last year, he struggled with a third-round 74 and concluded tied for 17th at three under par. However, McIlroy delivered a remarkable performance on Thursday, shooting a six-under 66. He birdied six holes and recorded only one bogey on the 16th, marking his best front-nine showing at this event in a decade.
Weather Disruptions Affect First Round Play
The opening round was heavily impacted by adverse weather, causing a three-hour suspension of play due to rain and wind. Players initially braved the heavy rain for about an hour before officials deemed the conditions unmanageable.
“It was just too much water on the greens. We’re losing greens left and right,”
commented Orlando Pope, senior director of TV Rules and Video Analyst for the PGA Tour.
Play was halted and did not resume until 4 p.m. ET, well after many players would normally have finished their rounds. McIlroy managed to complete his first round before sunset, but some competitors, including Aaron Rai from England, continued until after 9 p.m. ET. The round’s conclusion was postponed for several golfers still on course, with play set to resume at 7 a.m. PT on Friday before the second round begins.
Changes in Betting Odds Highlight McIlroy’s Rise
Before the tournament started on Monday, McIlroy was a long shot at +1475 odds to win the Genesis Invitational, trailing behind Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, who led with +300 odds. Following Thursday’s play, McIlroy’s odds dramatically improved, making him the favorite at +390 to win and -370 to finish in the top 10.
Other notable players’ odds shifted as well. Jacob Bridgeman, who was tied with McIlroy after Round 1, now holds +1250 odds. Sin Woo Kim, needing to complete his first round on Friday, is listed at +890 to win. Aaron Rai, despite briefly leading late Thursday night, is considered a +3500 long shot to claim the title, yet holds +180 odds to finish in the top 10.
Scottie Scheffler, who began with strong anticipation as world No. 1, experienced a difficult opening round, finishing tied for 71st at five over par. Despite this setback, DraftKings still offers him +930 odds to win and -120 odds to finish inside the top 10.
Forecasting the Final Days at Riviera Country Club
With three rounds still remaining, McIlroy’s breakout start and favorable odds indicate growing momentum as he pursues a Genesis Invitational title that has eluded him despite multiple attempts. The interrupted play and fluctuating leaderboard add to the tournament’s suspense, with weather delays and competition intensity shaping the outcome. Golf fans and analysts will watch closely to see if McIlroy can maintain his form and capitalize on his newfound status as the favorite.
Rory is the new favorite to win the Genesis Invitational @DKSportsbook đź‘€
— DK Insights (@DKInsights_) February 19, 2026
