It was a fantastic day on Friday at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, as two golfers from Los Angeles County shined. Long Beach native and UCLA graduate Patrick Cantlay continued to hold onto his lead in the Genesis Invitational with a five-stroke advantage, while Burbank native Max Homa shot up the leaderboard 49 spots to finish the day tied for 11th.
After finishing Thursday with eight birdies and holding a one-shot lead, Cantlay opened up his day with an eagle on the par-5 first hole. He continued his consistent form onto the back nine, where he upped his score from a 2-under to a 6-under-par 65, tied for the lowest total score of the day.
Cantlay’s five-stroke lead after the second round ties the tournament record for the largest lead after two days of play. Cantlay heads into Saturday at 13 under par.
“Putting great and leaving the golf ball in the right spot is really key around here,” Cantlay said. “It’s a golf course I’m really comfortable on, and it’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen.”
Cantlay noted that his experience at the Riviera Country Club really helps, as UCLA is only 5 miles away from the course. He says he’s played on the course roughly 20-25 times, and during his sophomore season with the Bruins, he competed in the NCAA Championships held at Riviera.
“It feels like a home game, because it’s a golf course I played so many times and I feel comfortable,” Cantlay said. “It’s really nice to have a bunch of guys from Virginia Country Club — where I grew up just down the road — come visit.”
On the other hand, Homa had a dreadful start in Thursday’s first round. He finished with a score of 73, good for 2 over par, which included two bogeys and a double bogey. The poor performance was unusual for Homa, who has had plenty of success at Riviera in the past.
The Burbank native grew up 23 miles away from the course and attended the Genesis Invitational as a kid. After playing his college ball at Cal Berkeley, Homa moved to Valencia and became a hometown hero by winning the tournament in 2021.
“I love it here,” Homa said. “Even if it wasn’t for the fans, which is an amazing added bonus, just getting to play this golf course is a true treat. Then to get to do it in front of my friends and family, and then a lot of people I don’t know who are quite kind, it’s a pleasure for me.”
On Friday, Homa played remarkably well. He also finished with a score of 65, tying Cantlay, Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Connors for the hot round. Homa had a similar day to Cantlay’s first round, collecting eight birdies.
“I’ve just been really waiting for the last few months to make a couple putts and just make things a shade easier on myself,” Homa said. “I hit my irons better than yesterday, but just yesterday, if you can’t make anything, it makes you feel like you’ve got to play too perfect.”
Heading into the third round on Saturday, Homa will look to continue his scorching momentum as the current hottest golfer in the tournament, while Cantlay will try to improve upon his already substantial lead. Homa will tee off with Mission Viejo native Beau Hossler at 10:30 a.m. Cantlay will go last, starting his day at 11:40 a.m. with Luke List, who’s currently in second place at 8 under par.