Ludvig Aberg won in dramatic circumstances against Maverick McNealy
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Ludvig Aberg rallied with four birdies in his final six holes to take the Genesis Invitational title from the grasp of Maverick McNealy at Torrey Pines.
After Patrick Rodgers led the way at the start of the day, with Aberg two behind and McNealy five adrift at T8, it was McNealy who made the early charge with a stunning front nine of 30.
Meanwhile, the likes of Denny McCarthy, Scottie Scheffler and Rodgers all remained in contention, with Aberg also firmly in the picture.
However, it was McNealy who continued to impress the most, with his six-under effort on the front nine backed up by three more birdies between the 10th and 13th, helping him surge into a two-shot lead before the first cracks appeared at the 14th.
There, he suffered an unforced error after making bogey from the center of the fairway. After hitting a poor bunker shot for his third, he ran his par putt well by before converting the bogey putt coming back.
That slowed what had, until that point, seemed an irresistible charge to the title, but he steadied himself with pars at the 15th and 16th before an error or judgment almost cost him at the 17th.
McNealy's tee shot at the par-4 landed in the rough right of a fairway bunker, and his second shot progressed him barely four feet. He recovered well, ultimately making par, but by that point he had a big problem in the form of an inspired Aberg.
Further back, the Swede had made an inconsistent start to his round with four birdies on the front nine tempered by successive bogeys at the fourth and fifth. There was no real sign of him making a decisive move over the first three holes of the back nine either, but he came to life from the 13th with the first of what turned out to be three successive birdies, including a stunning putt from over 25 feet at the par-3 15th to level things up with McNealy.
By that point, McNealy was on the 18th and needing a birdie to head to the clubhouse with a narrow lead. It failed to materialize, with his putt missing by a whisker.
Maverick McNealy missed out by one at the Genesis Invitational
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That left Aberg sensing victory without the need for a playoff despite a par at the 16th ending his run of birdies. Another par followed at the 17th, while his second shot at the par-5 18th wasn't ideal, landing some 68 feet from the hole at the back of the green. Regardless, that still left him two putts to win it, although, back at the range, McNealy prepared for a potential playoff.
It wasn't to be for McNealy, even after Aberg's eagle putt failed to break right. With his next chance, this time from seven feet, he made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish on 12-under to win by one, breaking McNealy's heart and adding a second PGA Tour title, after the 2023 RSM Classic, to his increasingly impressive resume.
Following his win, Aberg admitted claiming a title so early in the year was welcome given he missed out on a win in 2024. He said: "It sort of takes away a lot of the early pressures, if you will. You don't have to chase things. Getting a win means a lot to me and that's - I was pretty bummed I didn't get to win a tournament last year, but it's really nice to be able to do it again. It's almost addicting to walk down those last couple holes and just want to do it again."
Genesis Invitational Leaderboard
1 Ludvig Aberg (-12)
2 Maverick McNealy (-11)
T3 Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Rodgers (-9)
T5 Patrick Cantlay, Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau, Denny McCarthy (-8)
T9 Akshay Bhatia, Nick Taylor, Justin Thomas (-6)
12 Daniel Berger (-5)
T13 Andrew Novak, Michael Kim, Hideki Matsuyama, Davis Thompson (-4)
T17 Collin Morikawa, Kevin Yu, Brian Harman, Sahith Theegala (-3)
Updates from...
Matt Cradock
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HELLO ALL
This is setting up to be an epic final day at Torrey Pines and, with a tight, congested leaderboard, anyone could win this as the Genesis Invitational gets underway on Sunday.
TWO WAY TIE FOR THE LEAD
Currently, Maverick McNealy and Patrick Rodgers sit at eight-under-par, with the likes of Scottie Scheffler on the charge as he sits four-under through seven holes.
CANTLAY MOVES TO SEVEN-UNDER
It's a hot start for Patrick Cantlay, who birdies the third, fourth and fifth to get to seven-under and just two back of leaders Maverick McNealy and Patrick Rodgers.
McCARTHY AND McNEALY SAVE PAR
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Denny McCarthy and Maverick McNealy both save par at the fourth and seventh, with both men remaining in contention at Torrey Pines.
At the next hole, McCarthy finds the fairway at the par 4 fifth, whilst McNealy is on the front edge of the green at the par 3 eighth, with a difficult two putt coming up.
Behind the duo, Aberg has bogeyed the par 4 fifth to drop back to level-par for his day and six-under for the tournament. He is now two back of the leaders at eight-under.
McILROY'S STRUGGLES CONTIUNE
Rory McIlroy would have fancied a good run at the start of the final round on Sunday, but the four-time Major winner currently sits one-over-par for the day and has made a par at the par 5 ninth.
In terms of the leaders, both Rodgers and McCarthy find the green at the par 4 fifth and have great chances for birdies. McNealy also holes a par putt at the eighth to stay at eight-under, in a share of the lead right now.
RODGERS LEADS A TIGHT LEADERBOARD
Rodgers produces a great second shot into the par 4 fifth and, from eight-feet, he rolls in for a birdie to get to nine-under-par and a one shot lead.
Elsewhere, McCarthy is ranked as the best putter on Tour and, at the fifth, he shows why, with a delightful putt that never leaves the centre of the hole. He is now eight-under, one back of Rodgers.
Not to be outdone, Cantlay birdies the sixth for a fourth straight birdie as he moves into a share of the lead with Scheffler, McCarthy and McNealy.
FABULOUS FROM McCARTHY
Playing the par 5 sixth, McCarthy fires a superb fairway wood from 250 yards to just seven-feet and leaves a great chance for eagle.
In terms of the leaders, Rodgers finds the bunker at the same hole, whilst McNealy runs his chip well past the hole at the par 5 ninth and will need to hole that putt for a six-under front nine of 30.
McCARTHY TAKES THE LEAD
McNealy birdies the par 5 ninth and turns in a six-under 30. That's excellent golf from the American, who is in a share of the lead after a great charge on Sunday...
However, his lead doesn't last long as, at the par 5 fifth, McCarthy rolls in an eagle putt to get to 10-under and take the outright lead by one! In terms of his group, Rodgers just misses his birdie putt to join his playing partner.
EAGLE FOR McCARTHY
Eagle for the solo lead 💪@_DennyMcCarthy knocks it close from 248 yards.📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/sYcoLCdh6VFebruary 16, 2025
DRAMA AT TORREY PINES
You don't see that very often! Scheffler is just off the green at the par 3 11th, but chunks his chip in front of him! He does play a nice chip for his third, but will make bogey and drop back to seven-under.
Away from the World No.1, McNealy's putter remains on fire as he birdies the 10th to get to seven-under for his day and into a share of the lead. To help matters further, the final group of McCarthy and Rodgers have made a mess of the par 4 seventh.
In terms of McCarthy, he chunks his third shot into the bunker and manages to get up-and-down from there, making bogey to drop to nine-under. Regarding his playing partner, Rodgers hits a poor chip but, from 15-feet, he rolls it in for a par and a huge save!
INSANE FROM McNEALY
Add another birdie to the scorecard! This is insane from McNealy, who rolls in a 30-footer at the par 3 11th to get to 11-under for the tournament and eight-under for the day! What a round this is from McNealy!
McNEALY ON FIRE
Maverick McNealy does not miss.13 Putts thru 11.-8 thru 11. pic.twitter.com/BGqmROP6SQFebruary 16, 2025
McNEALY IN THE ZONE
This is class from McNealy, who fires an approach straight down the flag at the par 4 12th! From 212-yards, he leaves 13-feet for another birdie and to move to nine-under for his round.
Behind the American, Aberg birdies the ninth to move to eight-under, whilst Scheffler sits at seven-under and Cantlay at eight-under.
CANTLAY BIRDIES THE 10TH
Two excellent shots set up a great birdie chance at the 10th for Cantlay, who birdies one of the hardest holes on the course to move to nine-under, two back of McNealy.
Speaking of McNealy, he finds the fairway at the par 5 13th, whilst the chasing pack of McCarthy and Rodgers have good birdie chances at the par 5 ninth.
SCHEFFLER MOVES TO EIGHT-UNDER
Excellent work from the World No.1, who birdies the par 5 13th to get to eight-under. He is three back and will need to make a big charge to contend at Torrey Pines,
Behind Scheffler, Rodgers birdies the ninth to get to 10-under, one back of McNealy. However, at the par 5 13th, McNealy plays a gorgeous fairway wood to the heart of the green and sets up a great chance for eagle. He continues to lead at 11-under.
BIRDIE FOR McNEALY
His eagle attempt at the par 5 13th just misses the left edge, but another birdie moves him to 12-under, two ahead of Rodgers.
Regarding the course record, Tiger Woods holds that accolade at the US Open and, over the final five holes, McNealy needs to find two birdies to beat the 15-time Major winner!
McNEALY CONTINUES THE CHARGE
The American is in the zone right now, especially as he finds the fairway at the 14th. However, he follows it up with a poor approach shot and finds the greenside bunker. Are there cracks appearing?
Behind McNealy, Scheffler makes an up-and-down to stay at eight-under-par. His fellow countryman, Cantlay, rolls his lengthy birdie putt up to gimme range and remains at nine-under, three back of McNealy.
McNealy's nearest challenger, Rodgers, finds the bunker with his tee shot at the par 3 11th and will have a difficult up-and-down coming up.
DROPPED SHOT FOR McNEALY
(Image credit: Getty Images)
An unforced error for McNealy at the 14th, who makes bogey from the centre of the fairway. After hitting a poor bunker shot for his third, the American runs his par putt well by and just about converts the bogey putt coming back.
Leading by two, Rodgers misses a par putt and moves back to nine-under, with McNealy leading Cantlay, Rodgers and McCarthy by two strokes with four remaining.
SCHEFFLER HOLES FROM THE BUNKER
There's a big roar and, as it turns out, Scheffler holes his bunker shot for birdie at the 15th hole! The World No.1 looked shocked after his approach, but makes up for it with a classy bunker shot! He is now nine-under, two back of McNealy!
Speaking of McNealy, he finds the fairway with his tee shot and is in good position to attack the flag. I have no idea how much effect that holed bunker shot will have on McNealy, but that's special from Scheffler.
SPECIAL FROM SCOTTIE
What a shot from the World No.1!pic.twitter.com/olVeHSfXZQFebruary 16, 2025
DROPPED SHOTS FROM THE FINAL GROUP
Both Rodgers and McCarthy narrowly miss their par putts at the 12th hole, with both moving back to eight-under and three back of McNealy.
Speaking of McNealy, the American, just misses a birdie putt at the par 4 15th and taps in for par. He is 11-under and three ahead of a large share at eight-under.
TIGER IN THE BOOTH
Tiger Woods, who pulled out od the Genesis Invitational following the death of his mom, Kultida, is in the broadcasting booth talking about the support he's had following her death. "Mom was my rock," he says, as he reminisces movingly about the huge influence she had on his life and career.
He's also explained the decision to bring the event, which he hosts, to Torrey Pines after its usual home, Riviera Country Club, was not able to host due to the California wildfires. He described the course as "iconic."
“Mom was my rock.” Tiger Woods reflects on the passing of his mother, Kutilda Woods. 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/hnfvbS7IbDFebruary 16, 2025
LUDVIG EYEING GLORY
Maverick McNealy may be the leader, but Ludvig Aberg, who is two behind him, is not letting up on the challenge of catching him. On the par-4 14th, he's just left a beautiful second shot within six feet to potentially reduce the gap to just one.
TROUBLE FOR MAVERICK
On the 17th, McNealy is in all sorts of trouble at the par-4 17th, he chooses driver off the tee and goes close to a fairway bunker. Then, his attempt to hack it out of the rough progresses him less than four feet, albeit to the other side of the sand. His third is better, but he still needs 10 feet to make par. To make matters worse for the leader, Aberg has just completed his birdie on the 14th to reduce the gap to one!
McNEALY HOLDS HIS NERVE
"It could be the biggest putt of his life," declares the TV commentary as Maverick McNealy lines up his 10-footer for par to maintain his one-shot lead with one to play. If it is, he doesn't let the occasion get to him, holing it with aplomb to recover from what, earlier in the hole, had looked like shaping up to be a disaster.
WAYWARD FROM THE LEADER
On the par-5 18th, Maverick McNealy sends his tee shot way to the right. He'll be hoping that doesn't come back to haunt him after he did so well to claw back a near-disaster at the 17th. His lead is one over Ludvig Aberg, and ideally, McNealy will be looking for a birdie here to give the Swede a mountain to climb over his closing holes (he's currently on the 15th).
SCOTTIE TWO BEHIND HEADING TO THE CLUBHOUSE
Scottie Scheffler has just finished his round with his eighth birdie of the day to finish on nine-under for the tournament. It means he's two behind McNealy and it doesn't seem to be quite enough.
WELL RECOVERED FROM MCNEALY
McNealy has 238 yards to the hole with his second shot to the right of a fairway bunker. He'll be happy enough with his effort, which finds him safely on the fairway.
TIED AT THE TOP!
We have a tie at the top after a brilliant birdie from Ludvig Aberg at the 15th form over 25 feet. That's his third in a row and leaves McNeally needing a birdie at the 18th as a matter of urgency. He faces a birdie putt from 15 feet...
(Image credit: Getty Images)
ADVANTAGE ABERG
Suddenly, from looking hot favorite to win his second PGA Tour event, the outcome is out of McNealy's hands. He's heading back to the clubhouse having missed is birdie putt by a whisker at the 18th to leave him on 11-under, tied with Ludvig Aberg, who still has three to play.
At the 16th, Ludvig's run of successive birdies ends, but his par means he heads to the last two holes tied with McNealy at the top, with the American unable to affect things back in the clubhouse.
STEADY FROM ABERG AT THE 17TH
It's only a couple of weeks since a mystery illness led to Ludvig Aberg to losing eight pounds in weight, but you wouldn't know it from his performance over the closing holes here. His drive off the tee at the 17th goes pretty much exactly where you'd want it - unlike McNealy's - just barely to the right of the fairway to leave him nicely set and looking for a potential birdie to gain the outright lead.
CHANCE MISSED FOR LUDVIG
Ludvig Aberg takes relief following his tee shot and is now in the first cut of the fairway. He takes advantage hitting a beautiful approach to around nine feet from the hole. Further up, Patrick Cantlay, needing an eagle to stay in this, picks the worst possible moment to find the water.
Next, Aberg's birdie putt. It bends towards the hole looking for all the world as though it will drop, but it doesn't, instead grazing the edge before going beyond.
NICE TO MEET YOU
The Genesis Invitational is getting tense, but off the course there's a touching moment as Justin Thomas introduces Tiger Woods to his new daughter, Molly.
Just after, Cantlay finishes with a bogey to sit three off the leaders and out of contention.
Ludvig Aberg, on the par-5 18th, has 225 yards to the hole, and leaves it on the back of the green and has two putts for birdie to beat Maverick McNealy...
LUDVIG ABERG WINS THE GENESIS INVITATIONAL!
Ludvig Aberg has two putts to win the Genesis Invitational. First up is an improbable 68-foot eagle attempt from right at the very back of the green. This would be something very special indeed. It has the pace, but where's it going? It heads left, but steadfastly refuses to turn, leaving him another seven feet to win it. Meanwhile, Maverick McNealy is on the range anticipating a playoff...
Ludvig's second chance now. He does it! Ludvig Aberg has his second PGA Tour title!
