Aberg snatches win to claim second PGA tour title
Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg produced a sensational final-round performance to claim his second PGA Tour title, edging out Maverick McNealy by a single stroke at the Genesis Invitational.
The 25-year-old rising star closed with a six-under-par 66, finishing at 12 under for the tournament after a remarkable stretch of four birdies in his final six holes. His composure under pressure at Torrey Pines showcased why he is regarded as one of the most promising young players in the game.
McNealy, who had started the final round five shots behind the lead, produced an incredible charge, including a 38-foot par save on the first hole and nine birdies in his next 12 holes. However, a costly bogey on the 14th hole allowed Aberg to seize control down the stretch.
Final Leaderboard – Genesis Invitational
-12 Ludvig Aberg (Swe)
-11 Maverick McNealy (US)
-9 Patrick Rodgers (US), Scottie Scheffler (US)
-8 Tony Finau (US), Denny McCarthy (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Patrick Cantlay (US)
Selected others:
-3 Rory McIlroy (NI)
+2 Shane Lowry (Ire)
+5 Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng)
Aberg’s Final-Round Charge
Aberg entered the final round three shots behind overnight leaders Patrick Rodgers and Tony Finau, knowing he needed something special to emerge victorious. The Swede played solid, steady golf through the first 12 holes, staying in contention while McNealy was on fire ahead of him.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when McNealy bogeyed the 14th, and Aberg, sensing an opening, responded in spectacular fashion.
Clutch Par Save on 12: After finding a bunker, Aberg managed to get up and down to keep his round alive.
Three Straight Birdies (13-15): With the pressure mounting, he delivered clinical putting and precise iron shots to reel in McNealy’s lead.
Composed Finish: After two steady pars, Aberg needed a birdie on the last hole to seal victory—and he delivered, sinking a seven-foot putt to cap a stunning final-round effort.
His composure, ball-striking, and clutch putting under pressure further solidified his growing reputation as a future major champion contender.
“It was awesome, it was a great fight,” Aberg said after his win. “I felt like I was in control of the ball flight all day and really proud of the way that I finished.”
McNealy’s Incredible Round Falls Just Short
McNealy was the story of the day for much of the round, surging into the lead with an astonishing run of nine birdies in 12 holes. His aggressive approach and sharp putting had him three shots clear at one stage, and he looked set for his first PGA Tour win.
However, the crucial bogey on 14 shifted momentum, and Aberg took full advantage. Despite his brilliant final-round 64, McNealy finished one shot shy of forcing a playoff.
His runner-up finish is still a major confidence booster, proving he has the game to compete with the best players in the world.
Rodgers and Scheffler Fall Short
Patrick Rodgers, seeking his first-ever PGA Tour victory in 286 attempts, was tied for the overnight lead but struggled when it mattered most.
Back-to-back bogeys on 11 and 12 took him out of serious contention. Final-round 71 left him three shots short of Aberg, tied for third place with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler, meanwhile, will look back at his third-round 76 as the moment that cost him the tournament. The world No. 1 bounced back with a 66 in the final round, but the damage had already been done.
Solid Week for Tommy Fleetwood
England’s Tommy Fleetwood posted a final-round 68 to finish tied for fifth at eight under, securing another strong PGA Tour finish. Fleetwood has been knocking on the door for a maiden PGA Tour victory, and while he fell short again, his consistent play keeps him in the conversation for a breakthrough win.
McIlroy Struggles to Gain GroundRory McIlroy played alongside Scheffler in the final round but was unable to mount a Sunday charge.
His even-par 72 meant he remained at three under for the tournament, well off the pace.
Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistent putting and approach play cost him.
McIlroy, who has been in solid form this season, will look to fine-tune his game heading into the next stretch of tournaments, particularly The Players Championship and The Masters.
Looking Ahead as Aberg snatches win to claim second PGA tour title
With this victory, Ludvig Aberg moves up to No. 4 in the world rankings, further solidifying his place among golf’s elite.
His rapid rise in the past year has been remarkable, and his ability to handle pressure and deliver in clutch moments suggests he could be a serious contender in major championships this season.
For McNealy and Rodgers, near-misses can be frustrating, but their performances signal that their first PGA Tour wins may not be far away.
Meanwhile, McIlroy and Scheffler will look to sharpen their games as the season builds toward The Masters in April.
Aberg’s thrilling win at the Genesis Invitational is yet another reminder that golf’s next generation is here—and ready to challenge the game’s biggest stars.