Ludvig Aberg surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Farmers Insurance Open with a stellar 9-under 63 in the opening round at Torrey Pines. The 25-year-old Swede, who expressed his fondness for the picturesque course, holds a two-shot lead over Danny Walker and Hayden Springer.
Aberg, enjoying his first-ever first-round lead on the PGA Tour, showcased his skills on the North Course, carding eight birdies and an eagle while hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. Walker, in just his fourth PGA Tour start, impressed on the tougher South Course, finishing one shot ahead of Lanto Griffin, Zac Blair, Zach Johnson, and Aldrich Potgieter.
Hideki Matsuyama, the highest-ranked player in the field, posted a solid 68 on the South Course. Aberg, who started the season with a fifth-place finish in Maui following knee surgery, is eager for a successful stretch of golf after a winless 2024 season despite multiple top-five finishes.
While some top players are absent from the tournament, Aberg expressed his love for Torrey Pines, calling San Diego his favorite place in the world. He also expressed interest in the potential relocation of the Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines due to wildfires near its original venue.
Walker, a Korn Ferry Tour graduate, delivered a bogey-free round after two missed cuts. Johnson, a former British Open champion, made a strong start at Torrey Pines with a sponsor's exemption. Defending champion Matthieu Pavon carded a 73 on the South Course.
The Farmers Insurance Open, known for its star-studded fields, is missing some key players this year, including local favorites Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa. The tournament's unique schedule, starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Saturday, avoids a clash with the NFL's conference championship games.
With Aberg leading the way and a competitive field vying for success, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the Farmers Insurance Open at the iconic Torrey Pines.
