Patrick Rodgers stands one round away from rewriting his legacy at the Genesis Invitational after seizing control at Torrey Pines’ South Course. The 32-year-old Stanford alum fired a 4-under 68 Saturday despite a closing bogey, positioning himself to resolve golf’s most persistent 'what if' storyline.
Rodgers – who shares Stanford’s 11-win record with Tiger Woods – has waited 283 PGA Tour starts for this moment. “I’m viewing my career from a different vantage point now,” Rodgers told reporters.
“Instead of playing with expectations, I’m embracing tomorrow as a fresh opportunity.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (76) and Rory McIlroy (74) collapsed under Torrey Pines’ brutal conditions:
- Scheffler’s disastrous sixth-hole sequence (7-wood into crowd, three-putt bogey)
- McIlroy’s three-putt from 12 feet on 16th
- Combined nine bogeys/doubles in pivotal back nine
Key Saturday Moments:
Rodgers dominated the 504-yard 12th with a 4-iron to 15 feet for birdie, then crushed a 296-yard 3-wood onto the 13th green – matched by only three others. His 40-foot cross-green birdie putt at 17th showcased newfound composure.
Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (70) trails by two after holing a 127-yard ace on the third. First-round leader Davis Thompson imploded with a back-nine 40, plummeting to T12.
Rodgers’ Mental Shift:
The Indiana native admits struggling with comparisons to Woods and contemporaries Jordan Spieth/Justin Thomas. “Early in my career, the lack of immediate wins created internal tension,” said Rodgers. “Now I’m playing with clarity – this course rewards conviction.”
Sunday Stakes at Torrey Pines:
With 2015 Farmers Insurance Open host Tiger Woods likely presenting the trophy, Rodgers must conquer:
- Strategic par-5 management (three reachable in regulation)
- 5,300-square-foot poa annua greens firming in afternoon sun
- Steady winds forecasted from Point Loma
Denny McCarthy (71) and Aberg lurk within two strokes, while Tony Finau’s 67 clawed him within four. But all eyes will track Rodgers’ quest to convert Stanford dominance into PGA Tour glory.
