GOLF.AI • Feb 23, 2026

Rory's Wild Week: Grit and Genius

Rory McIlroy’s T2 finish at The Genesis Invitational was about far more than the score. It was a week that showcased the unconventional genius, raw emotion, and sheer grit of one of golf's biggest superstars, painting a vivid picture of a competitor using every tool at his disposal.

The most fascinating display of his creativity came on the greens. For the second time during the week, McIlroy opted for a wedge on the putting surface. During the final round on Riviera’s iconic 6th hole, with the green’s signature bunker between his ball and the pin, he calmly chipped over the sand. The perfectly executed shot highlighted a deliberate and inventive tactical trend, proving no shot is off the table when McIlroy is in contention.

Beyond the creative shot-making, the week also revealed McIlroy’s fiery competitive spirit. An interaction with a spectator saw him snap, an outburst rooted in the defense of his caddie and lifelong friend, Harry Diamond, who often faces public criticism. This moment offered a rare glimpse into the intense loyalty and pressure that simmers just beneath the surface.

Even in a runner-up finish, McIlroy’s championship mindset was on full display. In his post-round analysis, he took ownership of the result, stating he "failed to" apply enough early pressure on the eventual winner, Jacob Bridgeman. This self-critical perspective, focusing on what he could have done better rather than just celebrating a high finish, defines the multi-faceted reality of a modern golf icon in the heat of battle.