Rory McIlroy feels he may have left himself with too much to do at the Genesis Invitational, where he will start his final round six strokes behind leader Jacob Bridgeman.

McIlroy is Bridgeman's closest challenger at Riviera Golf Course, but he could only manage a two-under score of 69 during Saturday's third round. 

Bridgeman – who is chasing his first PGA Tour victory – shot a seven-under 64 to extend his advantage, and he now sits at 19-under for the tournament.

On Sunday, he will have an opportunity to break the all-time 72-hole record at Riviera, as Lanny Wadkins won at 20-under in 1985.

McIlroy has overhauled a six-shot deficit to win previously, beating Scottie Scheffler at the 2023 Tour Championship, but he feels a repeat will be a tough ask.

"I hung in there. I wish I was a couple closer to the lead. It looks like I'll be in the final group," McIlroy said afterwards.

"Hopefully, put a little pressure on Jacob tomorrow. I've given myself a chance, and that's all I can ask for."

Saturday vibes at Riviera 

Jacob Bridgeman holds a 6-shot lead heading into Sunday @TheGenesisInv.

In partnership with @ROLEX pic.twitter.com/LzFOTAxV6u

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 22, 2026

McIlroy looks destined for his best-ever result at the Genesis Invitational, with his previous best showing being a tie for 10th in 2022.

South Africa's Aldrich Potgieter is one shot behind him in third, with Aaron Rai a further stroke back.

"It was so hard, the greens got so fast, and they're soft, and they got a little bumpy later on in the day," McIlroy added.

"I was proud of myself. I sort of hung in there. I stayed as patient as I could. I wish I was a couple closer to the lead.

"I've given myself a chance. That's all I can ask for. It's not as big of a chance as I think I would like. I'd love to win here. I'm going to play my hardest tomorrow and we'll see what happens."

World number one Scheffler carded five under par on Saturday, leaving him at five under for the tournament in T22.