Going into the Genesis Invitational, all eyes were on the usual names—Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Joaquin Niemann. But by Sunday, it was Ludvig Åberg who stood on top.
A talented young player, but not necessarily a favorite, Åberg delivered a performance that turned heads. His win at Riviera Country Club wasn’t just impressive—it was a statement.
How Åberg Took Control
Riviera isn’t a course where you can overpower the field. It’s about precision, patience, and making the right decisions at the right time.
Åberg started strong, keeping his name near the top early in the tournament. He wasn’t flashy, but he was consistent. As the pressure built, he didn’t blink.
On Sunday, Scheffler kept the chase alive, but Åberg never lost focus. Then came the 16th hole—a moment that could’ve changed everything. He lined up his putt, took his time, and sank a clutch birdie. That gave him enough of a cushion to play smart the rest of the way.
By the time he walked up the 18th, it was clear: this was his tournament.
How the Other Contenders Finished
- Scottie Scheffler – Played well but couldn’t convert key putts.
- Rory McIlroy – Flashes of brilliance, but a rough Saturday hurt his chances.
- Joaquin Niemann – Competitive, but never quite in position to take the lead.
For Åberg, this wasn’t just another tournament. It was his first major PGA Tour win, and he did it against some of the best.
Payouts: A Big Paycheck for the Winner
Winning at Riviera doesn’t just come with a trophy. The Genesis Invitational offers one of the biggest prize pools on tour.
Here’s what the top finishers earned:
🏆 Ludvig Åberg – $4,000,000
🥈 Scottie Scheffler – $2,200,000
🥉 Rory McIlroy – $1,400,000
🏅 Joaquin Niemann – $980,000
For Åberg, it’s not just about the money. It’s about proving he can win at the highest level.
Tiger Woods Draws Crowds, LIV Golf Stirs Debate
Even with Åberg’s victory, Tiger Woods remained a major attraction. He missed the cut, but fans still followed him every step of the way. His impact on the sport? Still undeniable.
Meanwhile, the LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour debate isn’t going away. With Niemann’s strong showing, questions about where professional golf is headed continue.
What’s Next for Åberg?
Winning a PGA event is tough. Backing it up? Even harder.
With The Masters coming up, Åberg now faces a new challenge: keeping this momentum going. One win won’t define his career, but this one? It changes things.
