Rory McIlroy is among the frontrunners at the windy Genesis Invitational

Rory McIlroy overcame blustery conditions in the opening round of the Genesis Invitational to claim the joint club lead at five under.

The Northern Irishman is alongside American Jacob Bridgman, one behind England’s Aaron Ray, who had two holes left to play when darkness finally broke at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Rai is one of 30 players who will return on Friday at 07:00 (15:00 GMT) to complete their first rounds.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has endured another tough start to the tournament, having struggled on day one of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week.

The American, who has not finished outside the top 10 since the Players Championship last March – a series of 19 events – sits at the bottom of the 72-player field on five pars with eight holes to play.

Heavy rain formed puddles on the grass and led to the match being stopped for three hours, while the players returned to the strong and cold winds.

When asked what was easiest to play in, McIlroy replied: “Rain.

“I started to really enjoy this style of golf.

“If you asked me 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have enjoyed those conditions, but it was a shift in mindset and maybe just a continuation of trying to build on the skill set that I have. Then when it gets to conditions like this, I’m a lot more prepared.”

England’s Marco Bing, in his first year on the PGA Tour, was easily placed in third place with nine holes in his opening round of play.

The tournament returned to its regular venue at the Riviera Club this year after being moved to Torrey Pines in 2025 following the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire.