Bridgeman survives Riviera charge to win Genesis; Bhatia T16

Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala closed strongly at the Genesis Invitational, firing 68 and 67 for T16 and T22 finishes. Bhatia eagled with three birdies against three bogeys; Theegala opened with eagle plus three birdies-one bogey.

Indo-British Aaron Rai faded from opening 66 with 76 to T28.

Jacob Bridgeman withstood a furious final-round charge to claim his maiden PGA Tour title at 18-under 266, presented by Tiger Woods atop Riviera’s famed 18th amphitheater.

The debutant stretched a six-shot lead to seven, then gripped the white-knuckle finish as Kurt Kitayama (64), Adam Scott (63), and Rory McIlroy (67, late bunker heroics) closed fast. Bridgeman lost putter feel over 15 birdieless holes but drained a nervy 3-footer for par-72 and one-shot win over McIlroy/Kitayama—first Riviera rookie champ since Scottie Stricker (2005).

Woods shared mastery wisdom en route to trophy. Scheffler rallied for weekend 66-65 (T12), ending his 18 top-10 streak—worst since last year’s PLAYERS T20.

Bridgeman: Riviera’s newest conqueror amid massive crowds.

Photo – PGAT