Ludvig Åberg makes his very first start in the British Open – and is one of the favorites to win.
I like the pressure, it's what you want, says the Swedish superstar.
Ludvig Åberg's progress during his first year as a pro has gone at rocket speed, and he is already ranked fourth in the world.
This without even having played the last major of the season yet, the British Open. The tournament begins on Thursday, on legendary Swedish ground. This year's edition takes place at Royal Troon, where Henrik Stenson won the tournament eight years ago, as the first and so far only Swedish major winner in men's golf.
An achievement that Åberg thinks is worth celebrating in Sweden.
I've said it a few times before, that day should be a holiday in Sweden. It was an enormously cool day, he says at a press conference.
"Feels most like home"
The British Open is the only one of the four major tournaments that takes place on European soil. Therefore, this one means a little extra for the Swedish hope.
It's the one that feels most like home, and the one I've watched the most during my upbringing. So I feel like I have a connection in that way to The Open.
The Swede is one of the main favorites to take home the tournament, despite never having played the British Open before. But Åberg has time and time again shown that he doesn't fear the pressure put on him. On the contrary.
In football, you talk a lot about wanting the ball, and I try to tell myself the same thing. I like the pressure, it's what you want. It's why you play and the reason you put in all the hours.
"Will always have high expectations"
But when Åberg steps into action, 10.47 on Thursday, the expectations from outside are nothing compared to the demands he puts on himself.
I can't speak for others, only for myself. I will always have high expectations of myself, because I know what I can do and what I'm good at. Then others can think what they want, it's not up to me. But yes, my expectations of myself will always be high.
Besides Åberg, seven other Swedes are participating in the tournament: Henrik Stenson, Alex Norén, Alexander Björk, Vincent Norrman, Sebastian Söderberg, Jesper Svensson, and Charlie Lindh.
Age: 24
Born: Eslöv
World ranking: 4th
Pro debut: Canadian Open, June 2023
Number of wins: 2 (one on the PGA tour and one on the European tour)
Previous results in majors: Second in the Masters, missed the cut in the PGA Championship, and tied for 12th in the US Open.
+ Åberg was the first ever to earn a spot on the PGA tour from the college tour, which he won.
+ Åberg made history when he was selected for the Ryder Cup in September 2023 – without having played a major. Something that has never happened before.
