Troon, Scotland. The ascension of Ludvig Åberg from collegiate star golfer at Texas Tech in 2023 to the fourth-ranked player in the world now is a broader tale of the emergence of a younger generation of players looking to assert themselves on the world golf stage.
Åberg turned professional in June of 2023 after having been ranked the world number one amateur golfer. His involvement at the elite pro level showed immediate results.
How good?
Åberg was picked by Euro Captain Luke Donald for the 2023 Ryder Cup matches in Rome even before playing in a single major championship.
He has already won on the PGA Tour with his victory last Fall at The RSM Classic.
The 24-year-old is playing in his first Open Championship at Royal Troon this week. His play throughout this year has been a consistent force at the top of the leaderboard with six top ten finishes.
The main issue is breaking through with final round play that can do just that.
At the Masters earlier this year he finished four shots back as runner-up to eventual winner Scottie Scheffler. At the US Open at Pinehurst, he was the 36-hole leader but then faded over the weekend with rounds of 73-73 and a T12 finish.
In his most recent tournaments, the pattern has been similar. At The Travelers he was in the mix after a 3rd round 62 but then limped home with a disappointing 71 when the contenders were moving in the opposite direction.
At last week's Scottish Open the Swede had the lead after 54 holes but then came up short with a final round 73 and ended T4.
Final rounds are the ultimate barometer in demonstrating if one can finish off events. No question, getting into consistent contention has been a hallmark of Åberg this year.
The recent outcomes, however, have not shaken his belief on his play.
"I still felt like there was a lot of good things last week, and if you put it in a bigger perspective, I'm obviously very happy with a top-5 finish."
The stage for this week's Open is particular motivator for Åberg.
"It is the one that's closer to home, definitely, and it is the one that I've watched growing up a little bit more, a little bit closer. So I do feel that connection to The Open and to the UK."
Åberg's quick move into the elite level has been noticed by his fellow competitors. The talent is certainly present and the next crucial test is now finishing off events in a strong fashion.
That specific skill is not an automatic passageway no matter how talented the golfer.
The wherewithal to do that is no small feat of accomplishment. While names such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy had won multiple majors by the age of 25 – for others the journey took longer. Phil Mickelson needed 13 years on the PGA Tour before finally breaking through and winning the Masters in 2004 at age 33.
Åberg has shown much in his early development and his sense of wanting to be back in the mix is a clear indicator he has the goods to deliver.
"I've learned a lot that I like being in that situation. I think that's the main thing. I try not to shy away from it. In football you talk a lot about wanting the ball, and that's what I try to tell myself, and that's what I want to do. I enjoy the pressure. I think it's -- I think that's what you want. That's why you play and practice all these hours."
Major championship golf is one critical step beyond ordinary professional events and Åberg sees a clear progression from his days as an amateur to now being among the game's best players.
"Anytime you are in that situation, you discover things about yourself, whether that's emotions that shows up or anything that shows up really that you can take away.
"I've been fortunate to have had a few of those experiences over the last couple of months. I think anytime you are there, it just gets easier."
Åberg hopes to duplicate what fellow countryman Henrik Stenson accomplished in winning his lone major title at Troon the last time the Open was played here in 2016.
The expectation bar for Ludvig has certainly risen. His play this week will be followed with participation at the Summer Olympics in Paris as a member of the Swedish contingent.
Given where Ludvig was when turning professional just over a year's time it is truly remarkable. The face of professional golf at the elite level is in constant motion. Åberg's plan is to be a force to be reckoned with and this week at Troon is another opportunity for him to keep the momentum going forward.
Can he handle the increased spotlight of attention?
All eyes are now watching.
Related: Behind the Architectural Curtain - Royal Troon Golf Club
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