Second TIME’S A CHARM

Ludvig Åberg fist pumps after sinking the winning putt on the 72nd hole.

For the second time in four events, the PGA Tour teed it up at one of the year’s most iconic venues. Due to wildfires in the Pacific Palisades, the Genesis Invitational, typically played at Riviera, was instead held at Torrey Pines.

Last month at the Farmers, Ludvig Åberg was our pick to take home the trophy. He got off to a blazing start, firing a first-round 63, only to be derailed by a stomach bug that went around the locker room.

Fortunately, there was no sickness this week. Despite a slower start, Ludvig plotted his way around, showcasing his immense power and ball-striking ability. On Sunday, starting the day two shots back, he shot a 2-under front nine but still found himself in a significant hole. Maverick McNealy was torching the field at a pace rarely seen on this course, meaning Ludvig would need near-perfect golf to climb ahead. And that’s exactly what he played.

Making birdie on four of his final six holes, including one on 18, Åberg rallied to edge McNealy by a shot, beating out many of the world’s best.

This marks his second PGA Tour win, though on a much bigger stage than the first, and could serve as his true breakout moment. Åberg has all the tools to dominate the game, and the next step may be coming very soon.