After spending two months away, which included a victory at the Ryder Cup, Ludvig Aberg had only one thought when he arrived back in America.
“Oh, I’ll have Chipotle tonight for sure,” Aberg stated on Tuesday.
Unfortunately, the team building, the huge win, and the exposure on a global scale happened last week. With the Sanderson Farms Championship, Aberg’s eighth TOUR appearance since turning pro at the RBC Canadian Open in June, it’s a new week and a new chance.
Aberg, who won the Omega European Masters on the DP World Tour before being selected as one of Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup captain’s choices, has only missed one professional cut. His fourth-place finish at the John Deere Classic was his highest performance on the TOUR.
“Whatever happens, I’m going to be anxious on Thursday morning. As I’m on the tee box, I’m going to regard it as the most significant thing in the entire universe. My attention is on that while I’m here this week.” Aberg said.
Surprisingly, Aberg participated in the Ryder Cup despite having never started a major championship. Donald didn’t appear to be affected by the fact that he had no prior experience performing on a large stage.
“I believe he is a player of a generation, and if he doesn’t play in this Ryder Cup, he will play in the following eight. That’s how talented I find him to be.” Donald said when his captain’s choices were revealed.
At Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Aberg shone. In Foursomes, he and FedExCup champion Viktor Hovland went undefeated. One of their victories, a 9 & 7 triumph over Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, set a record. American team was won 16.5 to 11.5 by team Europe.
“On Sunday night, we had a lot of fun.It was a lot of fun to participate. Those are the things that young children dream of, particularly young boys growing up in Sweden. You want to participate in that. In the future, I doubt I’ll ever want to miss one.” Aberg said about the Victory party.
Aberg, who is currently ranked 80th in the world, has already secured a spot on the PGA TOUR in 2024 after winning this year’s PGA TOUR University Ranking. But through the FedExCup Fall, he may still play for a few significant things.
Aberg is currently ranked 136th in the FedExCup standings, and he will qualify for THE PLAYERS if he places in the top 125 at the end of the FedExCup Fall.
He will qualify for the first two Signature Events in 2024, which will be The Sentry, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Genesis Invitational if he places between Nos. 51 and 60 in the FedExCup. Aberg will qualify for the Masters if he finishes in the top 50 of the world rankings or wins at any time during the FedExCup Fall. He will also be admitted to The Sentry, the season’s first Signature Event, with a TOUR victory.
Despite having just returned from a hectic week in Rome, Aberg was eager to start his round in Mississippi. He claimed that he has a selfish desire to participate in as many different golf competitions and courses as he can. He wanted to play up to his promise.
“I’d like to think I’m still young and I can handle it, but obviously really happy to be here,” remarked Aberg.
However, the Ryder Cup last week is still vivid in people’s minds. Aberg was quick to praise PGA TOUR University for enabling him to jumpstart his pro career after his illustrious time at Texas Tech University was over and ultimately secure a Ryder Cup pick. He described the opportunity to tee it up alongside some of the best in the world as a dream come true.
“I owe a lot to PGA TOUR University for all that they have accomplished and are still doing. The program is still being developed, and I have no doubt that it will improve college golf. It will improve amateur golf, and eventually, it will improve professional golf as well. It’s awesome, and I’m fortunate to be the first one to benefit from it.” Aberg said.
Aberg’s prowess as a golf ball driver has swiftly become the secret to his success. If he had played on the PGA TOUR for an entire season, his average drive would rank right up there with Rory McIlroy as the longest on the tour.
Former FedExCup champion Justin Rose was “very much aware of this European stud” who was ready to turn pro, even though he wasn’t quite able to follow him through his collegiate career.
“When you click on his shot tracker, you could think, “Oh my God, he hit it 340 down the middle of the fairway and flicked a wedge in.” He is the type of player who has that name. You follow him with a little more interest because he usually carries a few weapons that aren’t necessarily available to everyone.” Rose said.
The 23-year-old was selected and was a member of a successful Ryder Cup team. A life-long memory. On the PGA TOUR, however, it will be time to try to make another one on Thursday.
“I’m playing these events in the autumn because I still have a lot to play for,” Aberg said.
