Genesis Invitational: Patrick Rodgers chases first PGA Tour win in 286 starts, Aberg two back

American Patrick Rodgers is “excited” to be taking a one-shot lead into Sunday’s final round of the Genesis Invitational as he attempts to win his first PGA Tour event in 286 starts.

Rodgers, who has been in this position four times before, shot a four-under-par 68 to improve to eight under at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

He is one clear of compatriot Denny McCarthy, who shot a 71 and is also chasing a maiden victory in his 194th event.

Rodgers, who bogeyed the par-five 18th after dumping a 91-yard wedge into water, has been a runner-up four times, including twice losing out in play-offs.

“Whenever my name is mentioned, that’s the first thing that everybody says, so it’s something that I have to deal with,” said the 31-year-old about his winless streak.

“I’ve struggled with it for a long time, but I feel like I’m viewing my career from a different vantage point now and I’m excited about the opportunity to cross that finish line on Sunday.”

World number one Scottie Scheffler and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy slipped down the leaderboard with rounds of four-over 76 and two-over 74 respectively to lie five shots behind Rodgers.

Scheffler carded his worst score since the final round of the 2022 Players Championship, where he also had a 76.

But Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, who remains in touch with the leaders thanks to the first hole-in-one of the tournament.

The 25-year-old, who played at the 2023 Ryder Cup, struck a pitching a wedge on the 140-yard third hole, with the ball landing just a few feet past the pin and spinning back into the hole.

“It was a really cool moment,” said the Swede, who shot a 70 and is on six under. “I’ve never made a hole-in-one in tournament play before.”

It was the sixth ace of the year on the tour – all by international players: Sami Valimaki of Finland, Kris Ventura of Norway, McIlroy, Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Emiliano Grillo of Argentina and Aberg.