Ryder Cup: Ludvig Aberg of Sweden delivered a near-perfect audition in front of Europe captain Luke Donald, increasing his chances of making a memorable Ryder Cup debut in Rome.
Aberg just entered the paid ranks earlier this month, but he was already on Donald’s radar thanks to a great amateur career and professional outings that have had him regarded as the 11th-best available European player by analytics site DataGolf.
And the 23-year-old made the most of his opening day at the Rocket Mortgage Classic alongside Donald, carding a first-round 65 that included an eagle and seven birdies and was restricted only by bogeys on the final two holes to sit one stroke off the lead.
“It stings a little bit to finish the way I did,” said Aberg, a DP World Tour affiliate member who is eligible for the Ryder Cup.
“I think it’s a little disappointing right now, but once I get some perspective on it, I think I’ll be fine with that round.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play a few of these events previously, so I’ve had some exposure to this, but I think going back-to-back weeks is a little different from what I’ve done previously. It will just take a few minutes.
“I believe that being okay with feeling a little uneasy at times will be critical. It’s a lot of fun in general. Participating in these events is a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to doing it more often.
“I know what I’m capable of and what I’m capable of doing; obviously, that’s what I expect from myself, but it’s fun to see where that takes me, and hopefully I’ll be able to keep it up.”
Aberg became the first player on the PGA Tour since Jon Rahm in the opening round of this year’s Masters to hit every fairway and at least 17 greens in a single round and confesses he feels secure when going up to the tee.
“One of my favourite clubs is the driver, and I enjoy hitting it,” Aberg remarked.
“Obviously, you’re not going to hit the fairway every time, but I’m hoping to keep it up over the next few days as well.”
Six players will automatically qualify for the European squad, which will meet the United States at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club from September 29 to October 1, with Donald holding six wild cards.
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