Rory McIlroy believes the Genesis Invitational tournament has become a 'can't-miss' event on the PGA Tour

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy might have found his redemption in the form of the Genesis Invitational. After spending months ruling the OWGR list, he was recently dethroned by US golfer Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy struggled with the wind in the round 1 at the recently concluded WM Phoenix Open. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't really find his way back into contention. He finished T32. Scheffler won the WM Phoenix Open and fulfilled the threat that had been looming over McIlroy's head.

Ever since the beginning of the year, Scheffler and Spanish golfer Jon Rahm had been inching closer to the world no. 1 spot with brilliant performances. McIlroy, who started his 2023 season later than everybody else on the PGA Tour, however, seemed to hold on to his world no. 1 place comfortably.

That is until Scottie Scheffler snatched the position. With the upcoming Genesis Invitational hosted by Tiger Woods and his foundation, Rory McIlroy may have just found the perfect opportunity to get back his world no. 1 spot.

He talked about the upcoming tournament:

"This is a place I've always, since I started coming here, I've loved it, loved the golf course, loved the area, love the vibe, feel like it's a course that suits me really well and it's sort of turned into a can't-miss event on the PGA Tour."

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What happened to Rory McIlroy at the WM Phoenix Open?

Rory McIlroy at the WM Phoenix Open - Final Round (Image via Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy slipped down four positions after the fourth round. On the final day, McIlroy began with a bogey on the second hole, followed by a birdie on the third, and then a second bogey on the fifth. He made two more birdies to finish the day at 70 and under par.

However, he will be hoping for a better performance at the Genesis Invitational. The Scottish golfer will go against some tough-to-crack golfers such as Jon Rahm, Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, amongst others.

He will also face a surprise contestant, Tiger Woods, who announced his surprise participation in the tournament recently.

If McIlroy manages to win the tournament, he might win back his world no. 1 spot. And certainly, he will put everything on the line to secure the victory.