Rapid Rise to Fame
Just three months after turning professional, Ludvig Aberg has been selected as a wildcard to represent Europe at the prestigious Ryder Cup. The 23-year-old Swedish golfer has been labeled as the sport's next big thing, impressing both on the amateur circuit and since joining the pro tour.
From Ice Cream Bribes to Ryder Cup Stardom
Aberg's journey in golf began reluctantly, with his father having to bribe him with ice cream to get him to the golf course. However, he quickly showed talent as a teenager and became world No. 1 at the amateur level. At Texas Tech University, he won numerous awards and played in the NCAA Championship before turning professional.
Impressive Pro Tour Performance
Aberg wasted no time in making an impact on the pro tour. His performance at the BMW PGA Championships at Wentworth, where he finished joint-tenth with a score of 12 under par, caught the attention of Ryder Cup vice-captain Eduardo Molinari and captain Luke Donald, leading to his selection for the team.
Praise from Peers
Aberg's performance on the course has earned him praise from fellow golfers. Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland called him a "stud" and predicted success for him in Italy. Rory McIlroy has also shown his support for Aberg, declaring himself a fan after practicing with him. Captain Donald describes Aberg as a generational talent with a unique style and skill set.
Ready for the Ryder Cup Challenge
Despite his lack of experience in major tournaments, Aberg's teammates have confidence in his ability to rise to the challenge of the Ryder Cup. Known for his power and accuracy off the tee, Aberg has the highest average drive length among all 24 players participating in the tournament. The Ryder Cup is set to begin on September 29, and Aberg is poised to make history as the first player to feature in the event without having played in a major before.
