Rory McIlroy heads into the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club with growing confidence after his performance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The world number two finished tied for 14th at Pebble Beach, five shots behind Collin Morikawa, but carded an impressive final-round 64 that has boosted his morale.

McIlroy, who tees off alongside Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood, is using this tournament as preparation for defending his Masters title in April. The five-time major winner acknowledged he's still working through early-season rust but found encouragement in his ball-striking and putting performance. His best finish at the Genesis Invitational came four years ago when he placed joint 10th.

McIlroy expressed strong disapproval of recent changes to the par-three fourth hole, which has been extended from 237 to 273 yards. The Northern Irishman criticized the modification as a 'horrible change,' arguing that the longer distance combined with the current kikuyu grass surrounding the green creates unfair playing conditions.