Ryder Cup sensation Ludvig Åberg showcased his exceptional skills with a remarkable late surge of birdies, clinching a narrow one-shot victory over Maverick McNealy at the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational. Entering the final round three strokes adrift, Åberg seemed out of contention as McNealy, who started five shots back, soared up the leaderboard with an impressive nine birdies through his first 13 holes.
However, McNealy’s momentum faltered when he bogeyed the next hole and couldn’t find any additional birdies in his closing stretch, finishing with a final-round score of 64 and setting the clubhouse target at 11 under. Åberg, seizing the opportunity, made three consecutive birdies starting from the 13th to pull even with McNealy.
Missing a makeable putt at the 17th, Åberg entered the par-five 18th tied for the lead. He managed to reach the green in two, ultimately two-putting for the victory birdie, concluding his final round with a score of 66 and finishing the tournament at 12 under. This victory marks the second PGA Tour title of Åberg’s career.
The 25-year-old’s outstanding performance also eclipsed world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who finished tied for third alongside overnight leader Patrick Rodgers after a six-under 66, which featured two chip-ins.
Åberg’s final drive to victory included two birdies at the 13th and 14th, followed by a stunning 25-foot birdie at the 15th, which allowed him to catch McNealy. His triumph adds to a recent string of victories for European players on the PGA Tour, and it is poised to elevate Åberg to the fourth spot in the world rankings.
Overnight leader Rodgers, unfortunately, faltered, recording back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes, and concluding with a final score of 71 to finish at nine under. International competitors Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau, and Denny McCarthy all finished tied for fifth at eight under.
Despite a rocky start, Rory McIlroy couldn’t mount a challenge, finishing with a level-par 72.
“I felt in control out there,” Åberg said after his win, reflecting on the pressure of the final holes, “It was such a great feeling.”
Looking ahead, the PGA Tour is set to move to the scenic VidantaWorld in Mexico for the upcoming Mexico Open. Coverage will commence on Thursday. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on ECNETNews.
