Ludvig Åberg had just graduated from Texas Tech. He’d been a pro for less than three months. And he helped Europe reclaim the Ryder Cup.
Two years ago in Rome, captain Luke Donald’s surprising selection of the young Swede paid off, as Åberg and partner Viktor Hovland brought Scottie Scheffler to tears, defeating the world’s best player and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka by the largest margin of victory for an 18-hole match (9&7) in Ryder Cup history.
“I think the biggest thing that I took away from those couple days, and maybe especially that morning, was just the validation for myself, that I’m able to do that,” Åberg said Wednesday.
Now, the 25-year-old — who has won two PGA Tour events and two top 10 finishes at The Masters — feels far more prepared.
“Two years ago was such a whirlwind for me,” Åberg said. “Over the last two years, I’ve had experiences that have really helped me. Although I still look back at Rome with a big smile … I do feel I kind of know a little bit more what to expect with the team room and it makes things a little bit easier.
“Before I played in Rome, I hadn’t even met those guys. I had never shaken their hands. I had never had a conversation with them.”
This year’s European roster is virtually identical to the group that prevailed in Rome, featuring 11 of those 12 members.
The only new teammate is Rasmus Højgaard, who has replaced his twin brother, Nicolai, and caused constant confusion.
“Shane [Lowry] sometimes just calls me “Nicolai,” and then he’s like, ‘Oh, Rasmus is here,’” Højgaard said. “It happens all the time … It’s all right. I’m used to it. I’ve been used to it for 20 years now. So it doesn’t really bother me.”
Ryder Cup officials announced enhanced security measures will be in place on Friday, citing the attendance of President Trump.
Less than three weeks ago, the president’s appearance at the U.S. Open men’s tennis final resulted in the championship match being delayed by 37 minutes and began with many fans outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium, waiting to be screened by security.
More than 50,000 fans are expected to show up for the first day of the Ryder Cup, which begins with foursomes at 7:10 a.m. The fourball session is scheduled to begin at 12:25 p.m. The gates will open for ticket holders — who “should expect temporary delays moving around publicly accessible areas inside and outside of the Bethpage Black Golf Course” — beginning at 5 a.m.
“Ticketed attendees are strongly urged to arrive as early as possible and should budget extra time as they plan their day,” the PGA of America said. “In addition to security screening at the entrance, spectators will be subjected to TSA-style screening points around the clubhouse, adjacent grandstand and surrounding areas. If spectators leave these secure areas, they will need to be screened again prior to reentering that area.”