Budding Swedish star Ludvig Aberg took the Farmers Insurance Open by storm on Wednesday, scorching the North Course at Torrey Pines with a sublime 9-under 63 to seize a two-shot lead after the opening round. The 25-year-old PGA Tour rookie, making just his fifth career start, struck a remarkable 16 greens in regulation while carding eight birdies and an eagle.
Aberg, who finished ninth in his Torrey Pines debut last year, gushed about the iconic venue he calls his “favorite place in the world.” The coastal links layout played right into his aggressive style as he bombed drives and capitalized on the North Course’s forgiving setup.
“I like when you hit a lot of drivers, and I feel like I did that a lot today, and probably going to do the same tomorrow,” Aberg said. “(I love) any golf course when it looks like this, when you have the views, and Torrey Pines is a really, really cool place.”
Rookies and Veterans Give Chase
Hot on Aberg’s heels were fellow rookie Danny Walker and journeyman Hayden Springer, who both fired 7-under 65s to share second place. The 25-year-old Walker was particularly impressive, carding the low round on Torrey Pines’ tougher South Course in just his fourth PGA Tour start.
One shot further back was a quartet of players at 6-under, headlined by former Masters champion Zach Johnson. The 48-year-old turned back the clock with a bogey-free round on the North Course, joined by Lanto Griffin, Zac Blair, and 20-year-old phenom Aldrich Potgieter.
Matsuyama Lurks After Solid Start
Headlining the pre-tournament favorites, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama opened with a solid 4-under 68 on the South Course. The 2021 Masters champion and highest-ranked player in the field is seeking his second win of the young season after claiming the Sentry Tournament of Champions earlier this month.
Aberg Aiming to Build on Breakout Rookie Campaign
For Aberg, the fast start at Torrey Pines marks another highlight in his meteoric rise. The reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year is looking to build on a debut campaign that featured six top-five finishes, including runner-up results at the Masters, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and BMW Championship.
After undergoing knee surgery in the fall, Aberg kicked off 2025 with a fifth-place finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and appears primed for a potential breakthrough victory. With his aggressive style and penchant for going low, the young Swede has quickly become a fan favorite and marquee draw.
“I haven’t had any issues since the surgery, so it’s really nice,” Aberg said. “I think Maui was the ultimate test for that. I got some blisters on my feet. That’s another story, but the knee was holding up nice. Really looking forward to coming back and playing a lot of tournaments. … I’m looking forward to a nice stretch of golf.”
Depleted Field Presents Golden Opportunity
With a handful of marquee names sitting out this year’s Farmers Insurance Open, including pre-tournament withdrawals by Collin Morikawa and Will Zalatoris, the door is wide open for Aberg and his fellow contenders to make an early-season statement.
The Farmers Insurance Open’s Wednesday-to-Saturday format, implemented to avoid clashing with the NFL’s conference championship games, sets the stage for a potentially historic weekend at Torrey Pines. If Aberg can maintain his torrid pace, he could join an elite group of Farmers winners that includes Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, and Jason Day.
As the action shifts to the South Course for Round 2, all eyes will be on the captivating Swede as he looks to extend his lead and position himself for a maiden PGA Tour triumph at one of the game’s most iconic venues. With his prodigious power and steely resolve, Ludvig Aberg has the golf world buzzing and dreaming of what heights he might soon scale.
