Murrieta’s Rickie Fowler wraps up tournament tied for 20th  

SAN DIEGO – Ludvig Åberg delivered a stunning final-round 66 at Torrey Pines to claim the 2025 Genesis Invitational title, edging out Maverick McNealy by one stroke. The Swede’s late charge, bolstered by birdies on four of the last six holes, highlighted a dynamic conclusion to an action-packed tournament relocated from Riviera due to Los Angeles wildfires.

The 24-year-old Åberg, who turned professional in 2023, embraced the moment with a closing birdie, sinking a 7-footer on the par-5 18th to finish at 12-under 276. Reflecting on his victory, Åberg said, “This Sunday is a lot more fun than the last one we had,” referring to his health struggles at the Farmers Insurance Open weeks earlier. With this win, Åberg nets $4 million and rises to No. 4 in the world rankings.

Standing alongside tournament host Tiger Woods, Ludvig Åberg is winner of the 2025 Genesis Invitational. Valley News/David Canales photo

McNealy, who began the final round five shots off the lead, mounted a brilliant challenge with eight birdies through his first 11 holes. Entering the 17th with a three-stroke advantage, McNealy could only manage pars over his last two holes, finishing at 11 under. “Ludvig played awesome,” McNealy said post-round. “I knew, with that leaderboard, it was going to take some great golf to get it done.”

Tournament host Tiger Woods, grieving the loss of his mother Kultida, observed the drama unfold from the broadcast booth. Players honored Woods’ mother by donning red buttons adorned with a Thai symbol of love—an emotional and unifying gesture during the week.

Scottie Scheffler rebounded from his disappointing Saturday round of 76, firing an impressive 66 on Sunday to finish tied for third alongside Patrick Rodgers at 10 under. Scheffler came out firing, going 5 under on the front nine, but faltered with bogeys late in his round, preventing him from closing the gap on Åberg.

Scottie Scheffler tees off on day two before a rough third round, falling down the leaderboard at the Genesis Invitational. Valley News/David Canales photo

Rodgers, who led the tournament after the third round, struggled on the back nine. Bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes proved costly as he fell out of contention, ultimately carding a final-round 71. Despite missing out on his first PGA Tour victory, Rodgers expressed optimism about his game, stating, “It’s up to me to keep pushing forward and make it happen.”

Rory McIlroy also endured a tough Sunday, failing to find his rhythm on the greens once again. After starting his round within striking distance, the Northern Irishman’s chances faded with a final-round 72, leaving him far from the lead. His frustration was evident on the par-5 18th, where a water-bound shot capped off his day with a bogey finish.

Rickie Fowler, Torrey Pines’ local favorite, concluded the tournament tied for 20th after a final-round 68. Though not in contention for the title, Fowler was warmly embraced by fans, who continue to support him through his resurgence this season. Fowler’s consistent play and renewed focus have been among the highlights of the 2025 PGA Tour campaign and give fans in Murrieta plenty to cheer about.

Murrieta native Rickie Fowler remains in the mix, tied for 20th, heading into the final round in front of local fans. Valley News/David Canales photo

The Genesis Invitational will be remembered not only for its thrilling finish but also for its relocation under challenging circumstances. With Åberg cementing his status as a rising star and the field showcasing a rich mix of veterans and young talents, the 2025 event delivered plenty of memorable moments.

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JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist, and head of the Sports Department for the Valley News. As a former Southwestern League head baseball coach, and former President of the Temecula Youth Baseball league (TYB), JP was also a local on-air radio personality at All Pro Broadcasting and was a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When not covering local, or national sports, JP also works for the Media Technology Department for Major League Baseball.