Patrick Cantlay separates from pack at Genesis Invitational

Patrick Cantlay opened up a five-shot cushion at the Genesis Invitational with his second-round, 6-under 65 on Friday in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Cantlay led by one after 18 holes and began his second round by making a 14-foot eagle putt at the par-5 first hole at Riviera Country Club. He added four birdies down the stretch to get to 13-under 129.

Canadian Mackenzie Hughes fired a 65 to join Luke List (69) and Australian Jason Day (69) in a tie for second at 8 under halfway through the third signature event of the 2024 season. Another Canadian, Corey Conners, is in fifth at 7 under after also posting 65.

Will Zalatoris sank a hole-in-one at the par-3 14th hole, winning one new car for himself and one for his caddie. He shot a 1-under 70 to join Xander Schauffele (66) and Tom Hoge (70) in a tie at 6 under.

Tournament host Tiger Woods withdrew early in his round due to flu-like symptoms. Woods was making his latest comeback to competitive golf after withdrawing from the Masters 10 months ago and undergoing ankle surgery.

While 70 players started the event, the top 50 players and ties made the 36-hole cut. Notable players projected to miss the weekend include U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark (2 over), Keegan Bradley (2 over), Justin Thomas (3 over) and England's Matt Fitzpatrick (4 over).