Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler make history on the PGA Tour after day two at the Genesis Invitational

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The Genesis Invitational is shaping up to be one of the most engaging PGA Tour events this year, with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler in contention.

McIlroy is coming off his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and appears well-suited to the challenge at Torrey Pines. Thick rough has tested those at this week’s Signature Event. McIlroy, however, seems content hitting his driver as far as possible and then gauging a short iron out of the rough.

It was a similar story for Scheffler. The world number one hit just five fairways but managed to card a bogey-free 66. Clearly, Torrey Pines‘ rough isn’t as penal as first feared.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler make history at Torrey Pines

Scheffler and McIlroy have been the two dominant forces on the PGA Tour over the past 12 months, and the pair have made golfing history heading into the third round at the Genesis Invitational.

According to golf stats guru Justin Ray, this week’s Signature Event is the first time McIlroy and Scheffler have both been in the top four entering the third round of a PGA Tour event.

With interest in the PGA Tour waning, having Scheffler and McIlroy battling it out at Torrey Pines is precisely what Jay Monahan would have wanted.

If Scheffler and McIlroy tee it up in Sunday’s final group, there’s no doubt the final round of the Genesis will post the highest viewing figures of 2025 thus far.

• READ MORE: Rory McIlroy told exactly what he needs to do to go back above Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele in the OWGR

Rory McIlroy’s stats after two days of the Genesis Invitational

Statistically, things are looking positive for McIlroy in San Diego. The Northern Irishman is second for strokes gained off the tee and fourth for strokes gained total.

What’s more, the 35-year-old still has room for improvement despite being firmly in contention.

McIlroy is ranked 39th in approach play. If he can tighten up with his irons, he could prove a serious threat to Scheffler over the weekend.

One area that could aid McIlroy’s approaches is his driving accuracy. So far, McIlroy has hit just 13 fairways, and the majority of his approach shots have come from the rough. Tightening up with the driving could assist his iron play.

McIlroy’s short game appears to be at its usual best. He’s currently ranked 16th around the greens and has picked up over a shot on the field while scrambling for par.