Promising young golfer Davis Thompson battled through an up-and-down back nine at Torrey Pines to grab a one-shot lead after the second round of the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational on Friday. The 24-year-old capped a roller coaster stretch with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole for a 6-under 66 that vaulted him to 8-under for the tournament.
But Thompson will have his work cut out for him this weekend with a host of big names in hot pursuit on the iconic oceanside layout, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler just one shot back after an adventurous 67. Scheffler hit only five fairways but showcased his stellar short game, chipping in for eagle and draining several par putts after wayward tee shots.
Also lurking is Rory McIlroy, whose 67 featured five birdies in his first 10 holes before a few misses off the tee derailed his charge. Still, the in-form Northern Irishman is only three back as he seeks his second win in three starts.
Wild Ride for Thompson
After a solid front nine of 33, Thompson made only two pars coming in as he rode a roller coaster of birdies and bogeys. The 2022 rookie got up-and-down from a greenside bunker for birdie at 10, then chipped in on the next two holes to surge into the lead.
But he gave both shots back with bogeys on 14 and 15 before draining a clutch 25-footer for birdie on the par-3 16th. A perfect wedge to tap-in range on 18 capped off his adventurous inward nine.
“We’re halfway through, still a lot of golf left. Yeah, just trying to stay in my own lane.”
Davis Thompson
Scheffler’s Wild Tee Game
Scheffler, in just his second start since a freak hand injury, never quite had his tee game under control. But the reigning Masters champ repeatedly recovered with his wedges and putter.
- Twice hit off the 12th tee, including 50-yard chip shot to save par
- Flexed right leg on follow-through from right rough on 4th fairway to make another par
- Kicked right leg on 7th tee shot from deep left rough to muscle it out
He also holed out from a bunker for eagle on the par-5 sixth en route to his bogey-free 67. “I love seeing that,” Scheffler said of his knack for scoring amid errant tee shots. The world No. 1 then headed to the range to iron out his driver.
McIlroy Heating Up
McIlroy continued his strong early-season form, surging up the board with a 5-under blitz over his first 10 holes. A few tee shot misses on the tight back nine stalled his momentum but he still salvaged a 67 to sit just three back.
His lament was not taking more advantage of Torrey Pines’ three par-5s, making just one birdie. But the 2021 CJ Cup winner at the course looks poised to contend for his second victory of the young season.
“I hit a lot of really good shots. I played well for the most part. I scrambled well. I just didn’t take advantage of the par 5s. … Look, I made up for it in other places, which was nice. But I know going into the weekend I’m going to have to play the par 5s better.”
Rory McIlroy
With a stacked leaderboard, iconic venue, and compelling storylines, the stage is set for an exciting weekend at the Genesis Invitational. Can the unheralded Thompson hold off a hard-charging McIlroy and escape artist Scheffler? Will another contender emerge from a field featuring Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas? Buckle up for a wild ride at Torrey Pines.
