The 2026 Genesis Invitational takes centre stage on the PGA Tour from February 19-22 at Riviera Country Club, as the West Coast Swing concludes at one of golf’s most iconic classical tests in Los Angeles.
Riviera, a par-71 layout tipping out at just over 7,300 yards, is famed for its tight, canted fairways, small, sloping Kikuyu-fringed greens and a strategic design that rewards precise shot-shaping over brute strength.
Firm, running fairways, penal rough and slick Poa annua surfaces mean controlling spin and trajectory into the greens is critical, while the closing stretch from the par-4 15th to the amphitheatre 18th regularly decides the tournament.
The elevated Signature Event on the 2026 PGA Tour calendar status again sees a world-class invitational field chasing a $20 million purse.
Current 2026 Genesis Invitational Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 4/1 (+400) |
| Rory McIlroy | 12/1 (+1200) |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 19/1 ((+1900) |
| Xander Schauffele | 21/1 (+2100) |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 23/1 (+2300) |
| Collin Morikawa | 26/1 (+2600) |
| Patrick Cantlay | 26/1 (+2600) |
| Cameron Young | 29/1 (+2900) |
Leading 2026 Genesis Invitational Contenders
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler once again arrives at Riviera as the clear market leader, underlining his status as the dominant tee-to-green force in the game.
His ball-striking numbers remain elite, and Riviera’s demanding, mid-length par-4s and small targets reward the kind of controlled fade and high-trajectory long irons that Scheffler produces on repeat.
If he gets even an average putting week on the Poa annua, his floor is a contention run and he sets the standard for everyone else to chase.
Rory McIlroy
The Northern Irishman’s length allows him to take aggressive lines on the par-5s and shorter par-4s, but success this week will hinge on controlling wedges and approach shots into the tiny greens.
With his driving usually a massive weapon on firm setups and his recent form trending positively, McIlroy remains a prime candidate to finally add Riviera to his global collection.
Xander Schauffele
His combination of accuracy off the tee, creative shot-making and a reliable putter on Poa surfaces has already produced multiple top-10s at this event.
Schauffele’s consistency in big, elite fields makes him one of the most logical picks to be in the mix late on Sunday.
Hideki Matsuyama
The Japanese star thrives on tough setups where par is a good score, and his precise iron play is perfectly suited to Riviera’s small, sloping greens that demand exacting distance control.
If his putter behaves and he converts enough of his plentiful birdie looks, Matsuyama has the profile to outlast the field in a grinding, low-teens-under-par winning score.
Tommy Fleetwood
Riviera rewards his ability to flight irons, shape shots in both directions and stay patient when greens become increasingly firm and fiery over the weekend.
Fleetwood’s current level of control and confidence makes this a realistic stage for that breakthrough.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.