Åberg seals victory at The Genesis Invitational

The Genesis Invitational was always about California Rises, the initiative to aid fire-stricken Los Angeles. But on Sunday, it also became about Ludvig Åberg’s rise to glory.

Despite California-born stars like Patrick Rodgers, Maverick McNealy, and Patrick Cantlay making strong runs, it was Åberg who stole the show. The Swedish golfer, who has developed an affinity for Torrey Pines and the West Coast swing, birdied holes 13-15 before a clutch two-putt from 74 feet on 18 secured his second PGA TOUR victory.

“I feel like this is my last day on the West Coast for a while, so I think In-N-Out is appropriate,” Åberg joked post-win.

The 24-year-old’s calm demeanor and smooth style have drawn comparisons to the laid-back California vibe. He displayed that poise under pressure, sinking a nearly 7-foot birdie putt on 18 to edge McNealy by one. The win comes 455 days after his first PGA TOUR victory at The RSM Classic.

“Winning on the PGA TOUR is tough,” Åberg admitted. “It’s reassuring to know I can bounce back quickly.”

Just weeks ago, Åberg was sidelined by illness, forcing him to withdraw from Pebble Beach after battling a stomach bug. He lost eight pounds and spent days recovering, only returning to full training just before The Genesis Invitational.

Yet, luck was on his side this time. After making two bunker hole-outs early in the tournament, he added a hole-in-one on Saturday, moving closer to his personal bet with caddie Joe Skovron—seven hole-outs by the RBC Heritage.

McNealy mounted a charge with nine birdies in his first 13 holes, but Åberg’s steely composure held. A clutch par putt on 12 kept him in contention before his late birdie surge sealed the win.

“He doesn’t get rattled by much,” Skovron said. “He just keeps going.”

Now ranked No. 6 in the world, Åberg’s confidence is soaring. With a Signature Event title under his belt and momentum on his side, his next step is anyone’s guess—but the trajectory is undeniable.

Photo – Tiger Woods