Ludvig Åberg makes his Open Championship debut this week, and it will likely be a particular one for him.
The 152nd Open is at Royal Troon for the primary time since 2016, when fellow Swede Henrik Stenson received. He defeated Phil Mickelson that yr, and it was one championship that Åberg typically refers to.
“I’ve stated that a couple of occasions earlier than, that day needs to be a nationwide vacation in Sweden,” Åberg stated Monday earlier than The Open. “It was a really cool day. I vividly bear in mind watching that with my buddies, and it’s cool to see what he’s executed for Swedish golf, and he’s doing, so clearly, was the head of that.”
The Open Championship is the oldest main, and it appears to carry a little bit extra weight, particularly for European gamers. Whereas many American gamers had three majors, international golfers didn’t— the Open was what they aspired to win.
“It’s the one which’s nearer to residence, and it’s the one which I’ve watched rising up a little bit bit extra, a little bit bit nearer. I really feel that connection to The Open and the UK,” he stated. “I like being right here.”
Åberg is No. 4 within the Official World Golf Rankings, and this marks simply his fourth begin in a significant. He has been on the PGA Tour for over a yr and did issues his means.
Many know he performed within the Ryder Cup earlier than a significant, however he has not upset in two of the three championships this yr. At Augusta Nationwide, he was the one participant who might problem Scottie Scheffler down the stretch. The previous Texas Tech Pink Raider completed solo second that week.
He did miss the minimize at Valhalla for the PGA Championship, however that was the one time he had not performed the weekend all yr.
On the U.S. Open, the Swedish phenom contended at Pinehurst No. 2. Whereas he did slip a little bit down the leaderboard, Åberg settled for a pleasant T12 end.
To not point out, since becoming a member of the PGA Tour, the 2023 RSM Basic winner has had three runner-up finishes, seven High 5s, and 11 High 10s in 31 begins.
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Photograph by Luke Walker/Getty Pictures
“It’s been a number of enjoyable these final 12, 13 months,” he stated. “Very lucky to have had a number of these experiences. In the end, I’m simply attempting to play good golf and attempting to have enjoyable with me and my group and my coaches and whatnot. It’s cool. Hopefully, we’ll have many, many extra years to return.”
His early success has garnered consideration — a number of it — however Åberg stays the identical. He has targets and requirements for himself. Nonetheless, this week, the expectations are a lot increased.
“I’m all the time going to have excessive expectations as a result of I do know what I can do, and I do know my skills,” Åberg stated.
He comes into this week with some confidence after the momentum he constructed up on the Genesis Scottish Open. Whereas he couldn’t seal the deal, a T4 end continues to be spectacular. Åberg’s sport matches Royal Troon, so this might be his week to shine and change into the primary Swede since Stenson to name himself The Open champion.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. It’s also possible to observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
