17th of July, 2016. A young Swede sits in front of the television with his friends to watch live as Henrik Stenson won that year’s Open after a memorable final round. That boy was then 16 years old and is none other than Ludvig Aberg: “The 17th of July should be a national holiday in Sweden. It was a great day. I remember perfectly watching it with my friends. It’s great to see everything that Henrik has done, and still does, for Swedish golf. That victory was obviously the pinnacle of all that”.
These are Aberg’s words upon arriving at Royal Troon after his fifth place in the Genesis Scottish Open. This week the player trained at Texas Tech completes the circle. He makes his debut in the last Major he has yet to appear in: “I love being here. I love playing these tournaments and I’m very excited. It’s the Major that’s closest to my home, without a doubt, and it’s the one I’ve seen a bit more when I was growing up, I feel it a bit closer. I feel that connection with the Open and with the United Kingdom”.
This is not just any week for the Swede and he has no problem admitting it: “I’m very excited. I think it’s going to be a great week, a great tournament, as it’s my first Open and I’ve never been to one. I’m trying to soak it all in from Monday to Wednesday, and on Thursday be as prepared as possible to play good golf”.
The Swede arrives at the tournament after missing out on victory this Sunday at The Renaissance Club. A grey Sunday from the tee prevented him from being in the fight in the last stretch of the tournament: “With the driver I’ve been dragging some tendencies for a couple of weeks that prevent me from being the most consistent with my swing and I’m working on it. I need a little push in the right direction and we’re solving it. Sometimes you feel like you’re taking a step back, but I’m optimistic”.
Aberg’s first full season in the professional world could be considered spectacular for 99% of rookie players on any circuit, but in Ludvig’s case the expectations are very high. Seven top tens are a great string of results, however the 24-year-old player is not satisfied and wants more.
Perhaps it’s worth remembering that he debuts in the Open as the world’s number four. A very special case in the history of golf. He’s dealing with pressure every week and gradually feeling more comfortable: “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”.
There aren’t many players capable of facing pressure in this way, not only does he not hide but he seeks that adrenaline: “Being in that situation is great. It’s fun to see people around enjoying, watching golf, and then enjoying watching you play, and ultimately, that’s the reason why you play golf”. Whoever believes that these small defeats will get the better of the Eslov-born player is mistaken. Going out on the field to enjoy is Aberg’s goal and for that he applies a football concept to himself: “In football there’s a lot of talk about wanting the ball, and that’s what I try to tell myself, and that’s what I want to do. I like the pressure. I think deep down that’s what I want. That’s why I play and practice all those hours”.
Ludvig Aberg could well be a member of the national team that yesterday lifted the Eurocup in Berlin. He smiles, he likes the pressure and burns stages at dizzying rates. Balls to Ludvig who this week will seek the feat of being the sixth player in history to win the Open in the year of his debut…
