Rai T12, Bhatia & Theegala advance at Genesis Invitational

All three Indian-origin players advanced through the 36-hole cut at the Genesis Invitational, PGA Tour’s second Signature Event at Riviera Country Club.

Aaron Rai rocketed into early contention with a first-round 66 (T10 start), then steadied with 70 (five birdies, four bogeys) for T12. Akshay Bhatia posted 68-71 (three birdies, three bogeys) for T21, while Sahith Theegala—playing on Tiger Woods’ Charlie Sifford exemption—grinded 70-71 (three birdies, two bogeys) into T33.

Marco Penge and Jacob Bridgeman stole the show with blistering 7-under 64s to share 12-under lead. Penge, top DP World Tour qualifier for PGA card, surged with five birdies in seven closing holes—despite wife expecting second child. Bridgeman birdied his last three, firing 5-iron to 8 feet into breeze.

Rory McIlroy lurked close at 11-under (66-65, one bogey total). World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler barely survived, rallying from 4-over with Friday 68 to hit cut line at even par—his third straight over-par opener.

Cut to top 50/ties and 10 back advances weekend contenders at this $20M invitational test.

Photo – DPWT