Genesis Invitational: Rory McIlroy six shots behind leader Jacob Bridgeman after round three

Rory McIlroy lies six shots off the lead after Jacob Bridgeman’s stunning seven-under-par 64 cemented his place at the top of leaderboard after round three of the Genesis Invitational.

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy started the day one shot behind America’s Bridgeman but carded a two-under-par 69 to lie in second place on 13 under in Los Angeles.

“I hung in there,” McIlroy said.

“I wish I was a couple closer to the lead. It looks like I’ll be in the final group. I’ve given myself a chance, and that’s all I can ask for.

“I need to get off to a fast start, try to apply some pressure and hopefully I can do that.”

Bridgeman, who also shot a 64 in round two, holed seven birdies and one eagle, on the 11th hole, in a fine display as he took control at the Riviera Country Club.

The 26-year-old, ranked 52 in the world, is enjoying a good start to the year having had two top-10 finishes in his opening four events, including last week’s eighth place at Pebble Beach.

“It was fun and easy, kind of the best that the golf world ever gets,” Bridgeman said.

“My swing felt nice and it was fun out there. Everyone was cheering, so yeah, it was a good day.”

England’s Marco Penge, who started the day tied for the lead with Bridgeman, shot a three-over-par 74 as he slipped to joint-seventh on the leaderboard.

Penge’s compatriot Aaron Rai is fourth and eight shots off the lead on 11 under after carding a 66, with South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter one shot ahead of him in third.

World number one Scottie Scheffler, who holed a seven-foot putt on Friday to make it to the weekend, is joint 22nd on five under after shooting a 66.