Golf fans usually expect the mid-February trek to Pacific Palisades to be a love letter to Riviera Country Club. We want the Hogan’s Alley vibes and that iconic eucalyptus-lined walk. But 2025 threw a massive curveball. Because of the devastating wildfires that tore through the Los Angeles area in January, the tournament had to pack its bags and head south.
The event landed at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Yeah, the same place that just hosted the Farmers Insurance Open a few weeks prior. It was weird. It felt different. But honestly, the ending was as dramatic as any Sunday at "The Riv."
So, who won the Genesis Invitational 2025? Ludvig Åberg took home the trophy, clinching a one-shot victory that felt like a proper "I’ve arrived" moment for the young Swede. He finished at 12-under par, staring down a charging Maverick McNealy and holding off a late-surging Scottie Scheffler.
The Redemption of Ludvig Åberg
If you follow the PGA Tour closely, you know Åberg has been the "next big thing" for a minute now. But his journey back to Torrey Pines was kind of a nightmare. Three weeks earlier, during the Farmers Insurance Open, he caught a brutal bug. He was so sick he lost 10 pounds and eventually had to WD from the following event.
Coming back to the same course and winning? That’s some serious mental toughness.
🔗 Read more: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
He didn't exactly sprint out of the gates, either. He actually opened with a 74. In a Signature Event with a limited field and a massive $20 million purse, a 3-over start usually means you're checking out of your hotel early. Instead, he put together rounds of 66, 70, and a final-round 66 to snatch the win.
That Wild Sunday Finish at Torrey Pines
For a good chunk of Sunday afternoon, it looked like Maverick McNealy was going to finally get that breakthrough win. He was absolutely unconscious on the front nine.
McNealy went out in 30. Thirty! He had five straight birdies at one point and led by three shots as he made the turn. But the South Course at Torrey Pines is a beast, and it eventually bit back. McNealy stumbled with a bogey on the 14th after his drive hit a pole—talk about bad luck—and he couldn't find the birdie he needed on the par-5 18th to force a playoff.
How Åberg Stole It
While McNealy was trying to hang on, Åberg went into attack mode. He birdied four of his last six holes.
💡 You might also like: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
- Hole 13: A massive 50-foot two-putt for birdie.
- Hole 14: He stuffed a 7-iron to five feet.
- Hole 15: Drained a 25-footer to grab a share of the lead.
- Hole 18: This was the clincher. He hit a 7-wood into the green from the fairway, leaving him about 70 feet for eagle. He lagged it down to 7 feet and rolled the birdie putt right in the center.
It was eerily similar to Tiger Woods’ iconic 2008 US Open putt on the same green. Even Tiger, the tournament host, mentioned it when he handed Åberg the trophy.
The Leaderboard: Who Else Was in the Hunt?
It wasn't just a two-man race. Scottie Scheffler did Scottie Scheffler things. After a disastrous 76 on Saturday (his worst round in years), he came out Sunday and shot a 66. He actually got within one shot of the lead at one point before a couple of sloppy bogeys on the back nine derailed the comeback.
| Player | Final Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Ludvig Åberg | -12 (276) | $4,000,000 |
| Maverick McNealy | -11 (277) | $2,200,000 |
| Scottie Scheffler | -9 (279) | $1,200,000 |
| Patrick Rodgers | -9 (279) | $1,200,000 |
Patrick Rodgers also had a share of the lead on Sunday but, like McCarthy and others, the back nine at Torrey South just wore him down.
Why This Win Matters for the PGA Tour
This was more than just a trophy for Åberg. It was a $4 million payday and 700 FedEx Cup points. More importantly, it pushed him to No. 4 in the World Rankings.
📖 Related: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
The 2025 season has been defined by these Signature Events, and seeing the "new guard" like Åberg take down a field that included Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, and Collin Morikawa proves that the talent gap is closing fast. Rory, by the way, had a rough week on the greens and finished well back after a closing 72.
What to Watch for Next
Now that you're caught up on who won the Genesis Invitational 2025, the focus shifts to the Florida Swing. Åberg is now the man to beat heading into the Players Championship.
If you're looking to improve your own game after watching that masterclass at Torrey, focus on your "lag putting" and mid-iron proximity. Åberg didn't win by outdriving everyone—though he hits it a mile—he won because he was the best at navigating the treacherous greens on the back nine.
Keep an eye on the FedEx Cup standings, as this win officially puts Åberg in the driver's seat for the season-long race. If he stays healthy, we might be looking at a new World No. 1 by the time the summer majors roll around.