Bridgeman holds off Rory to win Genesis Invitational - ESPN

ESPN

by Associated Press

February 23, 2026

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Jacob Bridgeman secured a thrilling and hard-fought victory at the Genesis Invitational, capturing his first PGA Tour title in a nail-biting showdown against Rory McIlroy and Kurt Kitayama. Starting with a six-shot lead, Bridgeman appeared to be in control, but the final round tested his nerves as he narrowly edged out his competitors. After a tense par putt on the 18th hole, Bridgeman celebrated a one-over 72 for a one-shot victory, marking a historic win at Riviera Country Club—a course where no first-time competitor had triumphed since 2005. Bridgeman’s journey to victory was far from smooth. Despite his early lead, he struggled with missed birdie opportunities and several costly putts that kept the crowd cheering for others. McIlroy, a fan favorite, applied pressure with a strong finish, while Kitayama also challenged late in the round. Bridgeman’s ability to stay composed under immense pressure was key to his success, as he converted critical putts when it mattered most. His win marked a significant milestone, not only securing $4 million but also propelling him into the top 25 rankings and qualifying him for the Masters. The Genesis Invitational showcased a star-studded field, with McIlroy and Kitayama putting up fierce competition. Bridgeman’s

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026