Rory three off lead as Tiger returns to PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy continued his mission to replace Scottie Scheffler at the head of the rankings as he posted four under during the first round of the Genesis Invitational.

The 33-year-old shot an opening 67 to be three strokes back, while current number one Scheffler could only manage 70.

Victory for McIlroy would see him overhaul the American regardless of the latter's result, while outright third place would be good enough unless Scheffler finishes in the top 25 or Jon Rahm wins or is outright second.

Rahm was third with a 65, one stroke behind the co-leaders, heading into the second round.

Tiger Woods marked his return to competitive action with a closing trio of birdies as he carded 69.

The tournament host was five strokes back from co-leaders Max Homa and Keith Mitchell at Riviera Country Club, after not having played an event without the use of a cart since last summer's Open Championship, when he missed the cut at St Andrews.

The 47-year-old’s legs held up on a day where he mixed five birdies with three bogeys on a mild California afternoon.

"I was able to fight back and get it going," Woods said after play. "It was a nice finish."

Fans at Riviera got to see Woods play alongside close friends Justin Thomas and McIlroy, with the trio all making birdie on the 18th.

Shane Lowry's two under included two eagles and two birdies, however, the former Open champion also posted four bogeys in a mixed round.

Seamus Power sits in a share of 56th place following a level par 71 in California.

Leaderboard