Bridgeman Fends Off McIlroy For First PGA Tour Victory

Last week, Jacob Bridgeman fumbled the solo lead on Sunday at Pebble Beach.

This week, he’s a PGA Tour winner.

Jacob Bridgeman, a 26-year-old South Carolina native, shot 1-over on Sunday and 18-under for the tournament to win the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

No, his Sunday play wasn’t perfect. Yes, it got the job done.

Bridgeman’s win sends him to No. 1 in the FedEx Cup Standings.

Elite play early, just enough down the stretch

Jacob Bridgeman carded a 66 in the first round, tying him for the lead with three others. His second-round 64 was enough to give him the solo lead, and his third-round 64 gave him a six-stroke lead heading into Sunday.

He led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and Strokes Gained: Putting.

Bridgeman didn’t have a brilliant Sunday, but he didn’t need to. Adam Scott and Kurt Kitayama surged up the leaderboard, Kitayama giving Bridgeman a serious scare, closing the gap to one stroke late in the afternoon. McIlroy birdied 18 to close his gap to one stroke, but he didn’t do enough early to make it matter.

Bridgeman stepped up to the 18th tee box with a one stroke lead over Kitayama, and he put his drive 301 yards out into the left fairway. He struck his 7-iron to 16 feet underneath the hole. Despite leaving his putt four feet short, Bridgeman knocked in his par putt to claim the victory.

To the average viewer, Bridgeman had a lackluster Sunday. To Bridgeman, this was a Sunday he became a Tour winner. A fantastic Sunday, to say the least.

Jim Nantz made the call: “The 100th year of the tournament goes to a first-time winner!”

Other storylines from the weekend

Jacob Bridgeman, PGA Tour Winner

Trevor Immelman said last week after Pebble Beach, “[Jacob Bridgeman] is going to win soon.” Jim Nantz asked Immelman today, “Did you mean (in) seven days?”

It only takes a few good finishes (and a win certainly helps) to start taking up space in the hearts of golf fans. Bridgeman is putting together a compelling 2026 campaign, and he seems to be an easy one to root for.

Bridgeman moves up to #1 in the FedEx Cup Standings after his third Top 10 of the season, and his first win on the PGA Tour.

Top Photo Caption: Jacob Bridgeman is emerging as a young exciting talent on Tour. (GETTY IMAGES/Mike Mulhullond)