Rory McIlroy overcame the stormy conditions that hit the opening round of the Genesis Invitational to set the joint clubhouse lead on five under.

The Northern Irishman is alongside American Jacob Bridgeman, one behind England’s Aaron Rai, who had two holes left to play when darkness finally ended play at 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 number one Scottie Scheffler endured another difficult start to a tournament, having struggled on day one of last week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

The American, who has not finished outside the top-10 since last March’s Player’s Championship – a run of 19 events – sits at the bottom of the 72-man field on five over with eight holes to play.

Heavy rain formed puddles on the greens and led to a three-hour stoppage, with players returning to a strong and cold wind.

When asked which was easier to play in, McIlroy replied: “The rain.

“I’ve started to just really enjoy this style of golf.

“If you had asked me 10 years ago, I didn’t enjoy these conditions, but it’s been a shift in mindset and maybe just a continuation of trying to build upon the skill set that I have. Then when it does get to conditions like this, I’m a lot more prepared.”

England’s Marco Penge, in his debut year on the PGA Tour, is handily placed on three under with nine holes of his opening round to play.

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