Will Ludvig Åberg treat us to a new major sensation this weekend?
The conditions are in place after the Swede's strong start in the US Open. Åberg went round in 66 strokes, which was enough for an early second place.
The US Open is known for putting players to the test with extremely challenging courses, and this year's edition is no exception. At Pinehurst No 2 in North Carolina, it's not least the tricky and frighteningly fast greens that can easily send scores soaring.
Åberg passed the first test.
The 24-year-old Swede treated us to top-class golf when he played his first round, starting early in the morning. Birdie putts dropped in on Åberg's second and third holes, and he was immediately high up on the leaderboard.
He stayed there for the rest of the round.
Few mistakes
Åberg was virtually faultless with his driver – he didn't miss a single fairway – and on the greens, he showed excellent touch with his putter. But on his 15th hole, he encountered problems. After a failed drive, on the par-3 hole measuring over 200 metres, Åberg nearly chipped his second shot into a bunker. In the end, he managed to salvage a bogey on the hole.
Åberg's final hole of the day was a more enjoyable story. His drive landed just a few metres from the pin, and the blue-and-yellow US Open debutant was able to sink another birdie putt. In total, it was six birdies and two bogeys for Åberg, who with 66 strokes is only one behind early leader Patrick Cantlay, USA.
A very, very good round. I don't think I got into any direct trouble, says Åberg to Viaplay.
Earlier this year, Ludvig Åberg made his major debut with a second place in the US Masters. Since then, he has had some knee problems on and off, and in this year's second major, the PGA Championship, he missed the cut.
Tough for Woods
The other Swedish US Open debutant, Tim Widing, had a solid start with 71 strokes.
Established stars like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson had a tougher time. Woods started with a birdie on his very first hole, but ended up on 74 strokes. Mickelson finished the day on 79 strokes without making a single birdie.
The first day's play will continue until after midnight, Swedish time. Among those playing late are the world's top three ranked players – Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy are playing together – and Sweden's third competitor, Alex Norén.
