The Genesis Invitational: Scheffler and McIlroy Lead the Charge at Riviera
With Hollywood returning as the backdrop for The Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club in 2026, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the frontrunners, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Scheffler’s Dominance Continues
Scottie Scheffler, currently the world No. 1, tops the field. Despite never having won at Riviera in six attempts, his recent form is undeniable. He’s coming off a victory at The American Express and has an impressive streak of eight consecutive top-five finishes and 18 consecutive top-10 results.
McIlroy’s Pursuit of a Riviera Title
Rory McIlroy, making his first TOUR start in 2026 on the Monterey Peninsula, is also a strong contender. While his recent performance at Pebble Beach was hampered by double bogeys, his Sunday round of 64 demonstrated his potential. McIlroy has yet to secure a win at Riviera in eight attempts.
California Contenders Emerge
Xander Schauffele, a San Diego native, is the third favorite. He has a consistent record at Riviera, playing the weekend in all seven previous attempts and posting numerous top-25 finishes. His familiarity with the course and strong Strokes Gained: Off the Tee performance position him well.
Defending Champion and Rising Stars
Hideki Matsuyama, the defending champion from 2024, is also in the mix. His closing round of 62 last year set a course record. Other players to watch include Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, and Cameron Young, all of whom have demonstrated strong performances at Riviera or recently.
Odds and Potential Value Picks
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the following odds for notable players:
- Scottie Scheffler: +340
- Rory McIlroy: +1100
- Xander Schauffele: +2000
- Patrick Cantlay: +2700
- Tommy Fleetwood: +2500
- Cameron Young: +2700
- Russell Henley: +2700
- Sam Burns, Collin Morikawa, Chris Gotterup: +3000
- Si Woo Kim, Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler, Ben Griffin: +3300
- Robert MacIntyre, Matt Fitzpatrick: +3500
- Ludvig Åberg, Harris English, Min Woo Lee: +4000
- Jordan Spieth, Akshay Bhatia, Sepp Straka, Keegan Bradley: +4500
- Jason Day: +5500
- Pierceson Coody, Kurt Kitayama, J.J. Spaun, Harry Hall, Nick Taylor: +7000
- Taylor Pendrith, Jacob Bridgeman, Ryan Gerard, Shane Lowry: +7500
- Alex Noren, J.T. Poston: +8000
Riviera’s Unique Challenges
Riviera Country Club presents a unique test for golfers, with its challenging layout and Poa annua greens. Players who can navigate these conditions effectively will have a significant advantage.
Past Champions at Riviera
Past champions at Riviera include Max Homa (2021) and Adam Scott (2020).
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