Jacob Bridgeman has commented on the prospect of playing in the final group with Rory McIlroy on Sunday as he looks to get across the line and win the Genesis Invitational at Riviera.
Jacob Bridgeman has bounced back from an unfortunate end to his week at Pebble Beach by taking charge of the Genesis Invitational. His second successive round of 64 on Saturday has left the 26-year-old six shots clear with 18 holes to play.
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Bridgeman will be joined in the last group by Rory McIlroy. McIlroy is chasing his first victory at Riviera.
Jacob Bridgeman reflects on playing with Rory McIlroy for the first time
They were paired together on Sunday at last year’s BMW Championship. And speaking after Saturday’s third round, Bridgeman explained how that experience will definitely help him.
“I think maybe the only thing would be I know he’s going to play well tomorrow. I know that I can’t back up at all,” he said.
“But I think I feel comfortable. I was a little bit uncertain how it would be last year when I played with him in the Playoffs. And I had a big day in Baltimore, I had to play good to make the Tour Championship and I was paired with Rory and it was kind of a lot, I thought. Then I got out there and he was super nice to me and super welcoming, and the fans were great as well.
“I think if it was my first time maybe it would be a little unsettling, but now I’m not worried about it.”
How Bridgeman and McIlroy performed when paired together at the BMW Championship
McIlroy certainly did not have his best week at Caves Valley. He finished tied for 12th and managed to only break 70 during the third round.
His final round threatened to go off the rails, with the Northern Irishman four over par after 10 holes. He did subsequently manage to get back to level par for the day.
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Bridgeman was two over par for the day, which was particularly disappointing given that he made three birdies in his first 10 holes.
Four bogeys in his last seven perhaps spoke to the nerves Bridgeman was feeling trying to ensure that he earned his way into the Tour Championship. He did do enough to secure his ticket to East Lake.
He is now looking to win on the PGA Tour for the first time – at a signature event hosted by Tiger Woods, no less. So it will be interesting to see whether he opens the door for McIlroy at any stage on Sunday.
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